Stroke, heart attack cases spike ahead of New YearMANILA, Philippines — Stroke and acute coronary syndrome cases, including heart attacks, increased this holiday season compared with 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH). In just one week, the total number of cases of acute coronary syndrome and stroke more than doubled by the morning of December 31. Stroke cases rose from 81 on December 26 to 180, while acute coronary syndrome cases increased from 30 to 77. Seniors aged 60 to 69 are reportedly the most affected, representing about 36% of acute coronary syndrome cases and 29% of stroke cases. Ischemic heart disease alone accounted for one-fifth of the more than 200,000 registered deaths from January to April 2025.

Source: Philippine Star December 31, 2025 04:34 UTC