CEBU CITY, Cebu, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- With an 18.5% mortality rate of the general population for the year 2022, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of deaths in the region.

This was disclosed by Department of Health Region 7 (DOH7) Medical Officer IV Dr. Jera Armendarez during the recent Kapihan sa PIA held in observance of the 50th year of Philippine Heart Month,

Armendarez said that although gender, age, and hereditary factors are linked to cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, it is still preventable through low sodium/saturated fat diet and practicing a healthy, active lifestyle.

She added that their partner local government units are giving free hypertension medicines to senior citizens, especially in remote areas.

Meanwhile, in the same forum, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) Medical Specialist-Benefits Administration Section Dr. Reginald Mangubat disclosed the top medical claims they received related to cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and rheumatic heart disease.

Also included among the top medical claims are surgical heart procedures such as Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery(CABG), coronary angiography, and angioplasty. 

Philhealth’s Z-Benefit packages for pediatric patients such as total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and closure of Ventricular Septal Defect(VSD) are also covered for members ranging from P250,000 to P550,000.

Mangubat added that accredited hospitals already have access to the Philhealth portal for easier processing of claims. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)