The Department of Health (DOH) has logged 288 cases of heart attack, stroke, and asthma from 21 to 31 December.

This is five percent higher compared to 274 cases on the same period in 2024.

On 31 December alone, 31 cases were added to the DOH surveillance. Acute strong or brain attack was the leading cause of death.

Of the figure, five persons died from the said non-communicable diseases. Three died from acute stroke at two from acute coronary syndrome.

Age-wise, 28 out of 77 cases of those who had acute coronary syndrome were between 60 to 69, while 53 out of 180 cases of acute stroke belonged in the same age bracket.

Eight out of 31 cases of bronchial asthma were aged zero to nine years old.

To avoid acute coronary syndrome, the DOH advised the public to avoid excess eating, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverage, and stress.

"Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing," it said.

Meanwhile, to avoid acute stroke, maintain a normal blood pressure, stay active, and immediately seek medical advice if they experience numbness or weakness in any part of the body, according to the DOH.

To avoid bronchial asthma, the DOH reminded that it is important to avoid asthma triggers such as dust and smoke.

It also advised to keep the environment clean and always carry an inhaler and medication.