Ito Angeles, Bea Bongat & Andi Tanlapco
NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Digital drawing of a heart surrounded by a storm of yellow-red lines and sparks
Art by Bea Bongat.
Did you know that the Philippines has one of the highest rates of heart disease globally? Given this alarming statistic, shouldn't the public be more informed about the cardiovascular system and its functions? An educational talk about cardiovascular health was given by Dr. Wilfred Dee to Temple Hill students in November 23, 2023.
How does the heart work?
Before diving into the cardiovascular system, it's essential to understand the heart and its functions.
The heart, the central organ of the cardiovascular system, comprises four main chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. Other crucial components include the vena cava, pulmonary artery, and aorta. Together, these organs form a complex network that pumps blood throughout the body, ensuring survival.
Blood, composed of oxygenated and deoxygenated cells, circulates through the body in a continuous loop. Imagine this journey as a trip through an airport. Deoxygenated blood enters the heart through the vena cava, similar to a traveler arriving at the airport. It then passes through the right atrium and ventricle, like checking in and going through security.Next, the blood travels to the lungs via the pulmonary artery to pick up oxygen.
Upon returning to the heart, oxygenated blood enters the left atrium, moves through the left ventricle, and is finally pumped out into the body through the aorta. This process demonstrates how the heart sustains life, much like the steps involved in air travel.
What are common heart diseases?
Heart diseases pose a significant threat to many people, often leading to fatal consequences. One such condition is Coronary Artery Disease, characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can be caused by various factors, including chronic stress and genetic predisposition.
According to Professor Jeff Clyde Corpuz of De La Salle University, heart valve diseases are among the top three causes of death in the Philippines, often requiring surgical intervention. If a heart valve fails to close or open completely, blood flow throughout the body is disrupted.
One example of a valve disease is Staphylococcus endocarditis, where Staphylococcus bacteria infect the left ventricle, triggering an immune system response that can lead to organ swelling, impaired blood flow, and overall weakness.
Heart rhythm problems can increase the risk of blood clots and irregular blood flow, potentially resulting in strokes. If the heart stops or beats too rapidly, pacemakers are implanted to monitor heartbeats through electrodes and deliver electric shocks to restart the heart. These devices typically need to be replaced every ten to thirty years and can provide a survival window of five to seven seconds during cardiac arrest.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a crucial and relatively easy way to prevent these heart problems.
How can we maintain heart and overall health?
To prevent the possibility of having these diseases in the future, Dr. Dee offers the following advice to prevent heart diseases:
Maintain a balanced diet:
A nutritious diet provides essential vitamins and minerals for recovery and overall health. Limit sugary drinks and sweets, and focus on consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Make lifestyle changes:
Prioritize consistent sleep, manage stress effectively, and engage in regular physical activity. Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, so avoid it entirely or quit as soon as possible.
Increase your chances of survival:
If you experience cardiac arrest, there's a brief window of consciousness before passing out. During this time, forcefully coughing can simulate an electric shock to the heart, potentially prolonging survival. For those with regular cardiovascular issues, consider investing in a pacemaker (which may require replacement every 10-30 years) or heart repair/replacement surgery if recommended by your doctor.
Learn CPR:
Taking a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR Course and learning basic life-saving skills is highly recommended. By acquiring these skills, you can potentially save lives, and by taking classes with a friend, you may one day be able to save each other.
Everyone understands the importance of health, but many have a limited understanding of the various illnesses that exist. Heart disease, in particular, is often overlooked, yet it's crucial to comprehend the workings of the cardiovascular system and how to maintain its health.
This is especially true in the Philippines, where heart disease rates are alarmingly high. The heart, with its four chambers and intricate network of veins, is a vital component of this complex system that ensures blood circulates efficiently throughout the body. Neglecting a healthy diet and proper hygiene can harm your heart and even endanger your life.
By educating ourselves, we can strive to live fulfilling and long lives.