TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), successfully conducted the second episode of this year’s #PilipiNAST Kapehan, with the theme “Loving Your Heart Beyond the Flowers and Chocolates,” via Zoom and Facebook Live on February 27, 2026.
To celebrate the Philippine Heart Month in February, two (2) renowned scientists and healthcare practitioners known for their significant contributions to cardiogenomics and internal medicine provided their expertise and knowledge on heart health. These include Academician Rody G. Sy, a NAST member and leading scientist who initiated the Nationwide Survey on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Philippines, and Dr. Patricio P. Palmes, 2001 NAST PHL Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) awardee, and Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at the West Visayas State University Medical Center. Dr. Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco, 2023 OYS awardee, moderated the event.
(First Row) Academician Rody G. Sy, Dr. Patricio P. Palmes, and (Second Row) Dr. Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
during the question and answer portion of the February 2026 #PilipiNAST Kapehan
In this episode, the resource speakers shed light on heart diseases as one of the top causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. They have deepened the public’s understanding of what underlying diseases and risk factors should be looked out for, and the preventive measures that can be applied in everyday life to promote overall heart health.
Acd. Sy and Dr. Palmes shared that the different types of heart diseases that usually comprise the high cases of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines include coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease in young individuals, aortic stenosis in the elderly, aortic aneurysm, and diseases of the pericardium. Dr. Palmes also urged that the country still needs to address the current challenges regarding the continuous increase in the cases of rheumatic heart disease, as the prophylaxis that they currently provide usually result in low adherence rates caused by financial and logistical challenges.
The resource speakers also explained that there are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with these heart diseases. Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed through lifestyle changes including the control of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and the control of vices, which can be modified through lifestyle changes, while non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be controlled, such as age and genetic predisposition.
Acd. Sy identified hypertension as the leading (modifiable) risk factor that can eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack. This risk factor is often associated with an unhealthy diet such as the intake of different types of food with high sugar, alcohol, and cholesterol content. Dr. Palmes further explained that vices such as smoking, vaping, and drug/substance abuse are also considered high-risk factors contributing to heart disease as these vices introduce other elements other than nicotine and methamphetamine into the body. These can increase one’s heart rate and cardiovascular demand, decrease blood flow in the coronary circulation, and lead to a mismatch of supply over demand resulting in a heart attack as well.
The resource speakers also highlighted that heart disease can be brought on by severe mental, physical, and emotional stress. One such condition is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition that hinders the heart's ability to pump blood effectively due to a weakening of the heart muscle.
As the program came to an end, Acd. Sy and Dr. Palmes emphasized several key recommendations for maintaining a healthy heart, particularly for those with a family history of heart disease. These include adopting a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise, and eliminating vices detrimental to heart health. They also stressed the importance of proactive monitoring: getting screened early for risk factors, having regular check-ups, and undergoing necessary tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, complete blood count (CBC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), creatinine, uric acid, and lipid profile. Furthermore, they advised those already taking maintenance medication for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease to continue their regimen regularly and consult their physicians for periodic dose adjustments.
#PilipiNAST Kapehan is a dialogue series held monthly that brings together NAST PHL scientists and members of the press, media, and science communicators to discuss emerging issues in science, technology, and innovation related to a specific national or international event celebrated within the month. It also serves as a dynamic platform to introduce the Academy’s initiatives and showcase its awardees and members, highlighting the remarkable contributions of Filipino scientists whose work continues to shape national development.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development, advise the President and the cabinet on matters related to S&T, and engage in projects and programs that promote scientific productivity. For more details, visit NAST Philippines’ social media accounts @nastphl.