Keep A Healthy Heart, So We Won’t Be Apart

“Let’s talk You alone are the best person to take better care of your heart. Valentine's
Day is coming up soon, and it's more than just a day to spend with your
about hearts — significant other. Our first thought upon hearing the word "February" is
usually of Valentine's Day. Nonetheless, the love season also honors our
the love that hearts, which are the source of all love. The Philippine Heart Month is
observed in February for this reason.
fills them and
the diseases By virtue of Proclamation No. 1096, Philippine Heart Month was first
observed on January 9, 1973. Today, we commemorate this every year to raise
that damage awareness of the need to advocate for cardiovascular health and wellness.
Given the surge in heart disease cases in our nation, Filipinos should be
them” concerned about this expanding health issue.

Everything you need to know about heart disease:

❖ Heart disease encompasses any issue that affects the heart, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and
coronary artery disease.
❖ Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease affects people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and causes
about one in four fatalities in the United States.

Types
Heart disease refers to any condition affecting the cardiovascular system. There are several different types of
heart disease, and they affect the heart and blood vessels in different ways.

Congenital heart defects

• Congenital heart defect is a condition that affects the heart from birth. Congenital cardiac defects
come in a variety of forms, such as:
✓ Atypical heart valves: Valves may not open properly, or they may leak blood.
✓ Septal defects: There is a hole in the wall between either the lower chambers or the upper
chambers of the heart.
✓ Atresia: One of the heart valves is missing.
• Significant anatomical defects, such as the lack of a ventricle or abnormal connections between the
main arteries leaving the heart, can be associated with congenital heart disease.
• Many congenital heart defects are not symptomatic and are only discovered during a routine check-up.
• Children frequently experience heart murmurs, although only a small percentage of them are caused
by a defect, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Arrhythmia
• The term "arrhythmia" describes an irregular heartbeat. It happens when the electrical impulses that
synchronize the heartbeat malfunction. The heart may beat excessively fast, too slowly, or irregularly
as a result.
• There are various types of arrhythmias, including:
✓ Tachycardia: This refers to a rapid heartbeat.
✓ Bradycardia: This refers to a slow heartbeat.
✓ Premature contractions: This refers to an early heartbeat.
✓ Atrial fibrillation: This is a type of irregular heartbeat.
• A person may notice a feeling like a fluttering or a racing heart.
• In some cases, arrhythmias can be life threatening or have severe complications.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
• The heart muscle stretches and thins in dilated cardiomyopathy, causing the heart chambers to dilate.
In addition to toxins, arrhythmias, and previous heart attacks, genetics can also contribute to dilated
cardiomyopathy.
• As a result, the heart becomes weaker and cannot pump blood properly. It can result in arrhythmia,
blood clots in the heart, and heart failure.
• It usually affects people aged 20–60 years, according to the AHA.

Myocardial infarction
• Myocardial infarction—also referred to as a heart attack—involves a stoppage of the heart's blood
supply. Part of the heart muscle may be harmed or destroyed as a result.
• The most frequent cause of a heart attack is a coronary artery plaque, blood clot, or both.
Additionally, it may happen if an artery suddenly contracts or spasms.
Are there different types of heart attack?
Are there different types of heart attack?
Heart failure
Heart failure Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Mitral valve regurgitation
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Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that can occur from problems with the pumping or relaxing
function.
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fatalities
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condition.
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cardiomyopathy can worsen
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activity and lead
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to none at all.heart problems.
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up into activities like dancing, stair climbing, brisk walking, gardening, and household chores that can elevate
heart rate a little.
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athletes under 35 years old, according to the AHA.
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prolapse
This happens when the valve flaps of the mitral valve do not close properly. Instead, they bulge into the left
atrium.
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grains,
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Genetic factors
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The main causes of death in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, are neoplasms,
cerebrovascular sickness, and ischemic heart disease. The following advice can help you look after your heart:
1. Exercise regularly: Take part in five days a week, for at least thirty minutes each day, in moderate-
intense physical activity.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats to
maintain a balanced diet. Reduce the amount of sodium, added sugars, and saturated and trans fats you
consume.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: One of the main risk factors for heart disease is obesity. Eat a balanced
diet and do regular exercise to help you maintain a healthy weight.
4. Quit smoking: One of the main risk factors for heart disease is smoking. Giving up smoking can
dramatically lower your risk of heart disease.
5. Manage stress: Your chance of heart disease can rise if you experience chronic stress. Use relaxation
methods to control your stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Whether it's heart month or Remember, small lifestyle changes can

not, maintaining and enhancing make a significant difference in
maintaining a healthy heart. Prioritize
your health requires consistency your heart health—it’s a gift to yourself
and commitment. that pays off in the long run!

References:
https://affinityvaccines.com/philippine-heart-month/

https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/features/2023/02/09/please-be-careful-with-your-
heart#:~:text=Every%20February%20of%20each%20year,to%20cardiovascular%20diseases%20(CVDs)

https://orangemagazine.ph/2023/secure-your-loved-ones-health-this-ph-heart-month-2023

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-
20353118#:~:text=Heart%20disease%20describes%20a%20range,born%20with%20(congenital%20
heart%20defects)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191#types