Scaling Up CVD and Hypertension Management Initiatives

This Philippine Heart Month choose to have a healthy heart, Ka-Heartner.

As part of the Department of Health 8-Point Agenda, Bawat Pilipino Ramdam ang Kalusugan and
its goal of decreasing premature deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the Department
of Health – Center for Health Development Region XII Non-Communicable Disease Cluster
headed by Dr. Adimelca C. Gangoso, MPH under the CVD/Hypertension program of Dr. Joanna
Carla M. Estorninos, RN the “Orientation on Healthy Hearts” was conducted last February 13-
14, 2024 at Agua Frio Resort, Koronadal City.

CVD and hypertension are still in the top 2 burden of disease in the Philippines. Recent data
showed a 25% probability of premature deaths due to NCDs in the country. Moreover, only less
than 20% of diagnosed and treated hypertensives are have their blood pressure controlled.
With these findings, the DOH Philippines has adopted a national action plan for the prevention
and control of NCDs, with specific targets to be achieved by 2025. These include among others:
25% relative reduction in overall mortality from CVDs, 30% relative reduction in mean
population intake of salt/sodium and 25% relative reduction in prevalence of elevated blood
pressure.

In attendance are the CVD/Hypertension program coordinators from each LGU, provincial NCD
coordinators and with our resource speaker, Dr. Raime Rosario Galang-Lozana, RN, MD, DPCLM,
MMHoA.

The objective of the activity is to increase awareness on hypertension diagnosis and treatment
by orienting the LGU CVD/Hypertension program managers on how to properly screen,
diagnose and manage hypertensive patients. It was emphasized the importance of lifestyle
modification as the cornerstone of hypertension management. This initiative marks a significant
move in aggressively addressing CVD and goal of blood pressure control.