Three were recorded dead due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as stroke, acute coronary heart syndrome, and bronchial asthma amid the holiday season.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows that from 22 to 30 December, eight sentinel hospitals nationwide noted a rise in stroke cases.

From 12 cases on 23 December, cases went up to 103 as of 30 December. Of the figure, two persons have died.

The highest number of stroke cases was recorded from patients aged 45 to 64.

Meanwhile, from two cases of acute coronary syndrome on 22 December, cases rose to 62 as of 30 December, with one death.

Most patients were aged 55 to 74.

Additionally, the DOH also logged 63 cases of bronchial asthma, a health condition caused by firecracker smoke, from 22 to 30 December.

Most patients were children aged zero to nine.

The DOH emphasized the importance of heart and lung care as it reminded the public to exercise daily, avoid eating fatty, sweet, and overly salty foods, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.