Heart Health Month: Facts and Resources for Filipinos

One in three Filipinos die of heart disease. It’s frightening but true. The American Heart Association says the disease is responsible for about 32 percent of all Filipino deaths in the United States. It's also the leading cause of death among Filipinos in the Philippines.

It may not be new information for some of you out there, but it deserves a post especially since February is American Heart Month. We all know heart disease is tied to our genetics and diet. What some may not know is Filipina-Americans contract heart disease at a higher rate than Caucasian women - 36.4 percent (among Filipinas) compared to 8.7 percent. Filipina-Americans are also more likely than African-American and Caucasian women to have what is known as metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and other serious illnesses.

Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome:
* Proned to accumulating excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen
* Blood fat disorders (high triglycerides that cause plaque buildup in arteries)
* High blood pressure
* Inability to properly breakdown blood sugar
* Proned to conditions that lead to clots within the blood vessels
* Proinflammatory state - condition that involves high levels of the C-reactive protein, a substance that serves as an indicator for inflammation in the body
Source: The American Heart Association (AHA)

Keep in mind there are other risk factors that can put us on the track to a sick heart. So, what are we Filipinas to do when a killer like heart disease has us backed up against the wall? FIGHT BACK! Stand up to the disease by making lifestyle changes and turn the tide. I know it's easier said than done, but we cannot stand by and wait till loved ones fall victim, as a 2003 study commissioned by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) said in its report: “The Filipino community has a cognitive understanding of the major health risks. However, health problems tend to remain in the abstract until an illness strikes close to home.”

Heart disease has plagued my family, and, at 26, I had my own wake up call when a doctor pointed out my worrisome cholesterol level. I could go on and on about risk factors, statistics and prevention measures. But it's not like someone will read this and suddenly change their ways. We have to do this together as a community and with the help of family. Just know you are not alone and help is out there - workshops, programs and educational materials.

Feel free to take a look at the free resources below and know we don’t have to say, “Bahala na.” We, Filipinas, can do something to preserve our personal health and that of the ones we love. As I come across non-profit organizations or medical institutions that provide additional resources, I will post them on the blog.

Free AHA Heart Health Magazines
Subscribe to Heart Insight and Stroke Connection published by the American Heart Association.

Filipinos Take it to Heart
Download that provides talking points on how to help loved ones stay healthy.

Serve Up a Healthy Life–Give the Gift of Good Nutrition Guide (Nais ng mga Pilipino ang Malusog na Puso)
Download English/Tagalog booklet with tips on how to make Filipino food healthy.

Filipinos Aspire for Healthy Hearts: Be Active for a Healthy Heart
Download English/Tagalog booklet that explains importance of daily physical activity in the prevention of heart disease.

Cardiovascular Risk in the Filipino Community
A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study about what contributes to heart disease among Filipinos.