Doctors' warning: Young people also face cardiovascular risks

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) on Sunday reminded the public that the groundwork for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often laid during early childhood, stressing the need for early lifestyle intervention to prevent lifelong health risks.

In time for the World Heart Day celebration, cardiologists warned that key cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol, hypertension and obesity, can manifest at a young age and progress into adulthood.

While acute heart attacks in children remain rare, accounting for less than 10 percent of pediatric cases, doctors emphasized that the biological damage driving adult heart disease starts far earlier than most people realize.

Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology vice president and PHA member Dr. Maria Concepcion Sison cited long-term medical research, including the landmark Bogalusa Heart Study, to highlight the concept of "tracking," where health parameters and habits established in childhood persist into adulthood.

"Kung gaano kalaki sa bata, gaano kataas ang blood pressure sa kabataan, nadadala minsan sa pagtanda. Kaya bata pa lang, umayos-ayos na tayo ng ating sarili (High blood pressure in childhood can sometimes persist into adulthood. That’s why we should start taking care of ourselves while we’re young)," she said.

The Bogalusa Heart Study in Louisiana, USA began in 1973 to find a link between age and the development of heart disease, starting with thorough data collection and in-depth evaluations of children’s daily routines, meals and physical activity.

Early research studies showed that even in children as young as five years old, the presence of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and obesity strongly correlates with the early development of arterial plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Sison noted that vascular damage does not wait for old age to begin, making childhood habits critical in determining long-term cardiovascular resilience.

Lifestyle factors and prevention

Sedentary lifestyles and poor diet are primary drivers of early cardiovascular risks, apart from congenital heart conditions.

To disrupt the tracking of risk factors from childhood to adulthood, the PHA advocates proactive intervention through healthy habits, including balanced nutrition that follows the “Pinggang Pinoy” (Go, Grow, Glow food groups) with strict portion control.

“Pinggang Pinoy” is the visual food guide developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute

Children are also encouraged to have 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity at least four times a week while curbing sedentary screen time.

"Iwasan na 'yung sobrang panonood ng TV, playing video games, o pag-scroll sa ating mga cellphone. Kailangan aktibo tayo (Avoid spending too much time watching TV, playing video games or scrolling on our phones. We need to stay active)," she said.

She also advised protection for young cardiovascular systems against nicotine which are present cigarettes, tobacco and vape.

Routine screening for blood pressure and weight starting at age three, establishment of consistent sleep schedules, stress management, and spiritual well-being are also advised for overall heart resilience.

National burden

CVD is the number one cause of death globally, claiming over 20.5 million lives each year. It accounts for roughly one-third of all deaths worldwide. About 85 percent of these deaths result from heart attacks and strokes.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart diseases were the leading cause of death in 2025, recording 135,250 cases and accounting 19.7 percent of total deaths nationwide in 2025.

To help address the country’s CVD burden, the PHA launched “Project Puso: Adopt-a-Barangay” in partnership with Barangay 657 in Intramuros, Manila.

Led by PHA president Dr. Aurora Muriel Gamponia, the initiative will bring the association’s expertise and resources to the community through quarterly screenings for cardiovascular risk factors. The results will provide baseline data for a cardiovascular registry.

The local theme for World Heart Day, "Don't Miss a Beat: Collab sa Bawat Beat," reflects the PHA’s commitment to working with communities and local government units, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., hospitals, policymakers, communities and the media to promote heart health.