Philippine healthcare experts are advocating earlier detection, individualized treatment and digital monitoring to help reduce cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and stroke, as the country confronts persistent hypertension risks.
The recommendations emerged at CV Masterclass 2026, hosted by global healthcare company Viatris in the Philippines. The event gathered 101 healthcare professionals from Southeast Asia to discuss strategies for improving cardiovascular prevention and management.
The urgency extends across Asia, which accounted for more than 61% of global cardiovascular deaths in 2021. Annual deaths in the region are projected to rise 91.2% between 2025 and 2050, reaching 24.1 million, underscoring the need for stronger preventive care.
Dr. Alejandro Bimbo Diaz, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, highlighted blood pressure variability—the fluctuations in readings over time—as an important consideration beyond conventional hypertension measurements.
He noted that wider fluctuations may signal increased risks of kidney and brain damage, stroke and cognitive impairment. Consistent monitoring can help clinicians better understand individual risk patterns and tailor treatment accordingly.
Ian Wilkinson, a professor at the University of Cambridge, emphasized early diagnosis, cardiovascular risk assessment and timely intervention as critical measures to prevent serious complications.
Digital tools may help bridge gaps between clinical consultations and daily self-management. Viatris introduced its BEAT App, designed to help patients and healthcare professionals monitor blood pressure trends and support treatment adherence. Features include trend graphs, clinician dashboards, educational modules and medication reminders.
However, technology alone cannot guarantee better outcomes. Its value depends on consistent use, appropriate clinical interpretation and access to healthcare professionals who can adjust treatment when needed.
Experts also called for international treatment guidelines to be adapted to Asian populations, whose cardiovascular risk profiles may differ, while giving greater attention to underserved communities.
The discussions point to a broader challenge for Philippine healthcare: translating prevention strategies into accessible, sustained care. Combining personalized assessment, patient education and digital monitoring could strengthen cardiovascular management, provided these approaches complement—not replace—regular medical consultations and equitable access to treatment.
