The Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday that it has alerted hospitals in monitoring diseases related to so-called holiday heart syndrome amid the festivities this Christmas and New Year.

According to the DOH, holiday heart syndrome is a condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest, and eating too much salty or fatty foods that may increase blood pressure.

This can lead to arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, which is one of the causes of stroke.

At the Philippine Heart Center alone, 60 stroke cases were recorded from July to November 2024. An additional seven cases were also logged in the hospital before Christmas, from December 1 to 20.

At St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, there were 339 stroke discharges recorded from January to November.

“Maaari pang tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng stroke matapos ang Pasko at pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon kung hindi mapipigilan ang labis na pag-inom ng alak at pagkain mula sa sunod sunod na handaan,” the DOH said.

The DOH earlier reminded Filipinos to refrain from eating too much sweets, salt and fats amid the holiday season.

The agency also encouraged the public to use the “Pinggang Pinoy” as a food guide during Christmas and New Year celebrations, so that they can keep a balanced and healthy diet. (GMA Integrated News)