The Department of Health said that the 288 cases of heart attack, stroke, and asthma reported between December 24 and 31, 2025 is an increase of 5 percent compared to the 274 cases recorded during the same period in the previous year.
Based on reports gathered by the DOH from 10 sentinel sites during this year’s holiday season, there were 77 cases of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, 180 cases of acute stroke, and 31 cases of bronchial asthma. A total of 5 deaths were recorded, 3 due to stroke and the remaining two due to heart attack.
In a press briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that the number of stroke, heart attack, and asthma cases was actually higher than that reported by the DOH since the gathered data was not from all hospitals, only sentinel sites.
He urged the public to learn to spot the signs of someone having a stroke, which includes facial asymmetry and slurred speech. Another way would be to ask the person to raise their arms and keep them straight, as a stroke victim would be unable to comply.
“They should be brought immediately to the emergency department when they exhibit those kinds of signs. It should not be left for tomorrow,” he said.
He also warned those with preexisting conditions that they could suffer from acute coronary syndrome as he urged them to practice moderation, especially during the holiday season.
Those suffering from asthma should also take care as they may be affected by the amount of smoke coming from fireworks or firecrackers during New Year celebrations.
Every year the DOH warns the public of the dangers of the holiday season and the excesses that come with the celebrations, and yet it seems that Filipinos either don’t listen or never learn. Although potentially health issues are already present throughout the year, the temptations that come with the gatherings, parties, and traditions of the holidays have the tendency to increase the risks.
Filipinos, especially the vulnerable ones and their loved ones, can choose to either listen to the warnings and moderate the consumption of high-risk party fare, or pay closer attention so any warning signs or symptoms can be caught so the necessary interventions can be applied. Those of us who survived the holidays unscathed have another year to learn how to take care of themselves better and pay more attention to their bodies.*
