The Department of Health (DoH) on Monday cautioned the public against holiday heart syndrome or alcohol-induced arrhythmias.

During the hospital round of the DoH on Saturday in preparations for the holiday season, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) logged 60 cases of stroke from July to November.

Of the figure, seven cases were recorded from 1 to 20 December.

The DoH warned that the number of stroke cases may still increase after Christmas and before the New Year if excessive consumption of alcohol and food is not prevented.

The PHC has already seen this increase in 2023.

According to the PHC, the number of stroke cases at the hospital rose from 38 in December 2023 to 42 in January 2024.

This is the highest number of stroke cases recorded by the hospital throughout the year. While the 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome recorded by the PHC in December 2023 increased to 115 by January 2024.

The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) also recorded a steady increase in stroke cases when comparing the numbers from December 2020 to December 2023. In December 2020, there were 188 stroke patients. The number rose to 226 in December 2021, and increased again to 247 in December 2022. By December 2023, the number of stroke cases at EAMC had surged to 328.

A similar trend was observed at St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Quezon City. In 2023, SLMC recorded 415 stroke cases, a significant rise from 295 cases in 2022.

This year, the hospital has recorded Stroke discharges from January to November which have reached 339.

DoH Secretary Ted Herbosa encouraged every Filipino family to keep their bodies healthy through proper diet, regular exercise, and discipline during the holiday season and in welcoming the new year.

“The DoH loves our countrymen. Just as you take care of your relatives, we remind you to avoid overeating salty, fatty, and sweet foods this holiday season,” Herbosa said in Filipino.

“Eat more vegetables and fruits that should be half of your Pinggang Pinoy. Let’s find time to exercise,” he added.