A cardiologist of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) urged the public to be vigilant on the signs and symptoms of heart attack so that immediate medical attention could be sought from the nearest health facility to prevent their health condition from being compromised.
BGHMC Medical Officer IV Dr. Hazelene Joyce Ramos said that among the common heart attack warning signs are pain or discomfort in chest, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, jaw, neck or back pain, discomfort or pain in arms or shoulders and shortness of breath.
In 2019, 74 percent of the deaths worldwide are caused by non-communicable diseases where 33 percent died from heart diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and other cardio-vascular diseases.
Further, per year, 18.5 million deaths or 50,850 deaths per average day are caused by heart ailments.
On the other hand, 18 percent of the deaths or 10 million deaths annually or per average day, 27,600 deaths are caused by cancers.
Chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, COPD and others account for 7 percent of the 55 million deaths in 2019 while 4.5 percent of the deaths are caused by digestive diseases, cirrhosis and others.
Other causes of deaths worldwide are neurological diseases – 3.9 percent, diabetes – 2.7 percent and other non-communicable diseases – 5.7 percent.
Ramos advised individuals to always seek the appropriate attention from health authorities so that proper diagnosis will be provided to them that will ensure the treatment of their illnesses for them to remain healthy. By Dexter A. See
