Love Your Heart: Practical Heart Health Tips from a Doctor
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- Feb 2
- 6 min read
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in the Philippines, it continues to affect people at younger ages than many realize. Busy workdays, stress, limited time for exercise, and our love for rich, flavorful food all play a role. That’s why Philippine Heart Month every February is an important reminder to pause, reflect, and take better care of our hearts—not just this month, but all year long.
To help Filipinos better understand cardiovascular health, we sat down with Doctor Anywhere General Practitioner Dr. Everly Miclat, who shared what she commonly sees among patients, the everyday habits that truly matter, and when it’s time to consult a doctor.
Common Heart Problems Among Filipinos
Based on her years of experience in both clinics and hospitals, Dr. Everly shared that heart-related conditions are unfortunately very common among Filipinos.
“Based on my six years of experience in occupational medicine, both in clinics and hospitals, the most common heart-related conditions I see among Filipinos include ischemic heart disease or heart attack, cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure,” she explained.
She noted that heart attacks, in particular, are closely linked to lifestyle and diet.
“Heart attacks are especially common among Filipinos because of lifestyle and diet. We enjoy rich, fatty foods such as lechon and other high-fat dishes that are often referred to as ‘comfort’ or indulgent foods,” Dr. Everly shared.
High blood pressure or hypertension is also widespread, and while many believe it’s purely hereditary, Dr. Evely emphasized otherwise, “High blood pressure is also very common. While many people think it is hereditary, I personally consider hypertension a lifestyle disease. Stress at work, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition all play a major role.”
Conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol may not be heart diseases on their own, but they significantly increase the risk of developing serious heart problems over time. “Diabetes and high blood sugar are not heart diseases by themselves, but they are major risk factors that can eventually lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure.”
Everyday Habits That Help Keep the Heart Healthy
According to Dr. Everly, heart health isn’t about extreme diets or punishing workouts. It’s about consistency and balance.
“Heart health depends on a person’s individual risk factors, but in general, there are habits that can benefit everyone,” she said.
She recommends:
Avoiding smoking and vaping
Limiting alcohol intake
Eating balanced meals with proper portions
Treating sugary drinks, milk tea, and fatty foods as occasional rewards, not daily habits
“I always tell my patients that if you eat something high in calories, fat, or sugar, try to burn it through physical activity,” she added.
In terms of exercise, simple movement goes a long way. “Brisk walking for 30 minutes is already very effective. When we say brisk walking, it means walking fast enough to increase your heart rate. This helps strengthen the heart.”
Most importantly, she highlighted the role of stress management: “Stress management is very important. Chronic stress increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt many systems in the body and eventually lead to illness.”
If You Have High Blood Pressure or High Cholesterol, Start Here
For people already diagnosed with conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol, Dr. Everly stressed that regular monitoring and follow-ups are crucial.
“When someone already has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar, we call these conditions comorbidities. This means we should focus on preventing them from getting worse,” she explained.
She encourages patients to keep a blood pressure diary, recording readings twice a day, and to have regular laboratory tests such as:
Lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
Fasting blood sugar
Other doctor-recommended screenings
“At least twice a year, or depending on your age and condition, you should consult a doctor to make sure everything is under control.”
When Should You See a Doctor?
Many Filipinos wait until symptoms become severe before seeking medical help, but Dr. Everly advises against this.
“I always tell my patients not to wait for warning signs before seeing a doctor,” she said.
However, immediate consultation is important if you experience:
Chest pain (even while resting)
Palpitations or “kabog” in the chest
Persistent high blood pressure
Sudden weight gain or loss
Frequent dizziness or fainting
“Doctor Anywhere Philippines can help because we have doctors available 24/7. You can consult online anytime, especially if you are experiencing these symptoms and need medical advice right away.”
Taking Care of Your Heart, One Step at a Time
Heart disease may be common, but it is largely preventable and manageable with the right habits and early care. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Small, consistent changes in diet, movement, stress management, and regular checkups can make a big difference over time.
This Philippine Heart Month, let’s move beyond awareness and take real action. See a doctor online for personalized medical guidance. Doctor Anywhere general practitioners are available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, with an average waiting time of less than five minutes. You can also book appointments with our specialists, including cardiologists and endocrinologists, and mental health experts, all from the comfort of your home.
If you’re still looking for an affordable annual health plan, you can subscribe to DA Healthwise for just ₱99/year. This annual health plan allows you to access discounted video consultations with general practitioners, specialists, and even mental health experts. Plus, you'll unlock exclusive discounts and freebies from DA Perks’ health and wellness partner merchants, including Tamang Alaga (RiteMED), Starfinder Optical, and more! Don’t forget to subscribe your loved ones to their own DA Healthwise plan, too!
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Sources:
1. Dr. Miclat, Everly. Interviewed on January 22, 2025.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Dr. Everly Candelaria Miclat, RMT, MD, is a telemedicine doctor at Doctor Anywhere Philippines, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety. She also serves as a retainer physician at Aventus Medical Care Inc., Ayala North Exchange Branch.
Dr. Miclat earned her medical degree from San Beda University and brings additional expertise as a Registered Medical Technologist. She is certified in Basic Course in Occupational Medicine (BCOM) and has passed the Australian Medical Council MCQ examination.
Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Miclat is a makeup enthusiast and content creator who loves everything beauty and skincare related. She enjoys cooking for her husband and family, often filming herself putting on make-up and preparing meals - combining her passions for health, beauty, and creativity in her everyday life.
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