DOH Reports Surge in Acute Stroke Cases Over Holiday Week

The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed a concerning increase in acute stroke incidents, tallying 71 cases from December 21 to December 27, during the festive season. This data was gathered from sentinel hospitals and shared by DOH Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. Alongside strokes, the DOH also noted 41 cases of acute coronary syndrome and 46 asthma cases within the same period. This year, the DOH initiated its first systematic tracking of stroke and heart attack occurrences, which typically peak before Christmas and taper off post-holidays. Domingo urged the public to steer clear of excessive eating and drinking, which can heighten the risk of strokes and heart attacks. He also warned of a potential increase in bronchial asthma cases around New Year’s Eve, attributed to the air pollution from firecrackers and gunpowder. Asthma sufferers were advised to ensure their inhalers are functional and adequately filled. Additionally, the DOH highlighted the dangers of holiday heart syndrome, which arises from overindulgence in alcohol, stress, and poor dietary choices, potentially leading to high blood pressure and arrhythmia, both of which are stroke risk factors.