Health experts are urging Filipinos to look beyond cholesterol levels when assessing their heart health, as new research highlights inflammation as a key and often overlooked driver of cardiovascular disease.
Despite maintaining normal cholesterol, exercising, and avoiding smoking, many Filipinos continue to suffer from heart attacks and strokes. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, more than 130,000 Filipinos die each year from cardiovascular diseases—a number that’s rising even among those with seemingly healthy lifestyles.
At the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025 in Madrid, researchers from the Karolinska Institute and Novo Nordisk presented data showing that inflammation, measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), is a strong predictor of heart risk—even in patients without high cholesterol.
The study focused on patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and found that those with elevated hsCRP levels were significantly more likely to suffer major cardiac events than those with high cholesterol alone.
“This research challenges the traditional view of heart disease risk,” said Dr. Neslie Buena-Bobis, Medical Director of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “Inflammation, which can be triggered by factors like obesity, uncontrolled blood sugar, stress, or infections, affects millions of Filipinos. It must be part of the conversation around heart health.”
Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines, echoed the call for broader awareness, saying the findings highlight how interconnected cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes are. He emphasized the need for early intervention and public education.
Experts say that recognizing inflammation as a key risk factor could lead to earlier, more effective prevention—especially in a country where heart disease often goes undetected until it’s too late.
