ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/12 February) – Heart diseases registered to be the number one cause of death in this city last year, claiming over a thousand lives, a health official disclosed.
Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, disclosed that of the 4,363 recorded deaths last year, cardiovascular diseases comprise 25 percent of the record with 1,283 mortalities, making them the top cause of death in 2011.
Agbulos said last year’s 1,283 deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases were higher by 243 compared to the 2010’s figure of 1,040.
He said what is even more alarming is that the age bracket of the casualties is getting younger.
The once coined as “disease of the aged” seemed to be prevalent among the younger generations, especially to those who are in their late 20s, Agbulos pointed out.
He advised the public to be conscious of their lifestyle.
“Cardiovascular disease or disease of the heart is mostly caused by living a sedentary lifestyle.
It can be prevented if proper and healthy diet is observed coupled with regular exercises,” he explained.
Agbulos also emphasized that cardiovascular diseases have been the top cause of death for five years now.
Next to heart disease in the top 10 causes of death are cerebrovascular disease (stroke), cancer, pneumonia, sepsis, tuberculosis, gunshot wound, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lungs), and chronic renal failure (kidneys). (MindaNews)
