Health experts are urging Filipinos to pay closer attention to inflammation as a major, yet often overlooked, cause of heart disease—even among those with normal cholesterol levels and healthy lifestyles.
Despite efforts to stay active, avoid smoking, and maintain normal cholesterol, more Filipinos are developing cardiovascular conditions without the usual warning signs. Over 130,000 Filipinos die each year from heart-related diseases, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show, with numbers continuing to rise.
New global research presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid reveals inflammation may be a stronger predictor of heart attacks and strokes than cholesterol. A study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, found that patients with high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)—a marker of inflammation—faced significantly greater cardiovascular risks, even without high cholesterol.
“These findings highlight a gap in awareness,” said Dr. Neslie Buena-Bobis, medical director at Novo Nordisk Philippines. “Many Filipinos don’t realize that inflammation from stress, obesity, diabetes, smoking, or chronic infections could silently increase their risk.”
Experts now call for a broader approach to heart health that includes screening for inflammation, not just cholesterol. Novo Nordisk Philippines general manager Wei Sun emphasized the need for preventive strategies and education to help Filipinos manage risks early.
“Heart disease is often silent until it’s too late,” Dr. Buena-Bobis warned. “Understanding inflammation gives us another chance to act before that happens.”
