Manila: The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) on Tuesday introduced its localized Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for managing chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), a strategic move aimed at making heart disease treatments more affordable and accessible for Filipinos while saving lives.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PHA Council on Coronary Artery Disease Chair, Dr. Paolo Joel Nocom, announced that the guidelines are set for nationwide release before the year's end, pending final clearance from the Department of Health. The guidelines aim to bridge the gap between costly global medical standards and the socio-economic realities in the Philippines. Dr. Nocom emphasized the need for a distinct approach, contrasting with insurance-based guidelines in high-income countries, to ensure that the medicines are accessible, available, and affordable for every Filipino.
Health experts note that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death both globally and locally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nearly 20 million people died worldwide from cardiovascular diseases in 2022, accounting for approximately 32 percent of all global deaths. Notably, 85 percent of these deaths were due to heart attacks and strokes, with 75 percent occurring in low- to middle-income countries like the Philippines.
The Philippine Statistics Authority's recent data indicates that ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country, followed by cerebrovascular disease and hypertensive diseases. In Metro Manila, ischemic heart disease is responsible for 43,000 deaths, representing 65 percent of the region's heart-related fatalities. Nationally, about 11 to 12 Filipinos die from ischemic heart disease every hour, equating to one death every five minutes.
By establishing a clear and standardized medical roadmap, Dr. Nocom expressed hope that the PHA will create an institutional buffer against cardiovascular disease burdens, exacerbated by medical misinformation, unverified online remedies, and deepfake videos. He highlighted issues of under-medication and over-medication among Filipinos, emphasizing the need for precise treatment recommendations based on evidence.
The CPG is crucial for guiding medication treatment, helping patients avoid unnecessary drugs and expenses, combating misinformation, and influencing the national drug formulary. The PHA is finalizing three external peer reviews required before the guidelines' full rollout. Post-completion, the medical community plans to initiate a collaborative project focused on localized early diagnostic procedures for cardiovascular diseases.
