Christmas in Cebu comes with bright lights, gatherings, and heavy feasting.
But cardiology experts warn that the season also brings a spike in heart attacks, especially among people with existing health risks or undiagnosed conditions.
The holidays typically mean plenty of food, alcohol, and celebration.
Doctors say this mix, paired with stress and health issues, can trigger serious cardiovascular problems. Some attacks are sudden and fatal.
Philippine Heart Center adult cardiologist Dr. Myla Supe said common medical conditions already place many Filipinos at risk.
“May mga traditional risk factors po tayo. Most of them high blood, may diabetes, mataas ang cholesterol, mataba, hindi nag-eexercise, hindi kumakain ng tama,” she explained.
She added that family history and gender also influence vulnerability.
“Kung yung family niyo po mataas yung heart attack, stroke sa pamilya, malamang mamanahin niyo yan,” she said.
Lifestyle practices learned at home further contribute to long-term heart damage. Supe noted that young people often imitate what they see around them.
“Ang bad habits: paninigarilyo, pag-inom, namamana kasi nakikita ng mga bata yan,” she said.
She also warned that vaping is not a harmless alternative.
“Ang vaping din kasi akala po nila dahil electronic siya, wala pong usok, pero proven na pwede rin maka-irritate sa puso at mag-trigger ng atake,” she explained.
Alcohol becomes another threat during the holiday season. Many drink heavily at gatherings.
Supe said this can inflame the heart and disrupt its rhythm.
“Delikado yun kasi pwede magdulot ng stroke kagad,” she warned.
Stress adds another layer of danger.
Health Secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa said pressure increases dramatically during December as people rush to meet obligations, travel, and manage expenses.
“May tinatawag na stress response ang body. Ini-increase ang heart rate mo. Stress also triggers hormones na nire-release ng iba’t ibang endocrine organs natin at yun ang nagka-cause ng mataas na heart rate,” Herbosa said.
He added that those with clogged arteries or chronic illness face higher danger when stress builds.
“Kung ikaw ay may chronic illness, barado na yung ugat mo, matutuluyan ka sa heart attack or brain attack,” he said.
Data from the Philippine Heart Center show that December and January record more heart-related cases than any other months.
Doctors attribute this to holiday eating, salty and fatty dishes, sugary desserts, heavy drinking, and emotional strain.
“Most of the time, [the patients] already have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, they are already ailing. But during Christmas, there are a lot of delicious food, alcoholic beverages, salty and processed foods, and stress,” Supe said
Health officials urged the public to act quickly when symptoms appear.
Warning signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or discomfort radiating to the jaw, back, or left arm. DOH hospitals provide Zero Balance Billing for emergency cardiac cases.
“Huwag na kayo mag-atubili,” Herbosa said.
Globally, cardiovascular diseases remain the top cause of death, with nearly 20 million annual fatalities. Many are preventable.
In the Philippines, doctors continue to emphasize healthy habits, early screening, and consistent access to treatment as key steps in reducing holiday-related cardiac emergencies. (LLP)
