Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet it continues to be overlooked as a critical women’s health issue. This is due to women being under-diagnosed and under-treated due to misconceptions and lack of awareness among both patients and doctors. In the Philippines, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 60,253 cases or 19.8 percent of the total deaths in the country from January to August 2024.
Despite these alarming numbers, many women remain unaware of their risk factors, often prioritizing family and community health over their own. This Women’s Month, Organon, dedicated to advancing women’s health at every stage of life, is raising awareness on the preventability and treatability of heart disease, urging women to take proactive steps toward better cardiovascular health.
As part of its commitment to a patient-centric approach, Organon highlights the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and access to healthcare in preventing CVD among women. While heart disease is often associated with men, statistics show that women are more vulnerable—if not more so—due to biological, hormonal, and social factors that influence their risk.
Women and Heart Disease: A Hidden Threat
Heart disease is a broad term encompassing several conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function. The most common form, coronary heart disease, occurs when plaque, which consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood, builds up in the arteries. This restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attacks. Once a person develops coronary heart disease, it becomes a lifelong condition requiring continuous management.
Common risks include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, an unhealthy diet, stress, and lack of physical activity. While some factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many risks are controllable through lifestyle modifications.
Shifting the Narrative on Women’s Heart Health
One of the biggest challenges in addressing CVD in women is breaking cultural barriers that make women’s heart health a lesser priority. Organon emphasizes that every heart is important and that early prevention can lead to significantly better health outcomes. The healthcare organization encourages women to take charge of their heart health by setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound targets for a healthier lifestyle.
Small but consistent changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, quitting smoking, and ensuring adequate sleep can make a significant difference. For women struggling to control certain risk factors, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. In some cases, medications may be needed to manage conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes.
“As the leading cause of death in the Philippines, coronary heart disease is a major health concern that requires immediate attention. We want to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to prioritize their heart health. Through education and early intervention, we hope to raise discussions on the risk for women and underscore the importance of taking proactive steps in managing their cardiovascular health,” said Emmanuel Tiglao, Country Lead at Organon Philippines.
Global Movement, Local Commitment
Organon’s global advocacy for women’s cardiovascular health includes initiatives like Wear RED Day, an awareness campaign in the United States that emphasizes the impact of heart disease on women. While this specific campaign is not observed in the Philippines, Organon Philippines continues to align with its global mission by championing heart health awareness and empowering women to take preventive action.
By fostering education and early intervention, Organon aims to contribute to the development of a healthier, more resilient society, where women’s heart health is a priority. The message is clear: taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier heart and a better future.
Organon is a global health care company dedicated to making a world of difference for women, their families and the communities they care for. In the Philippines, Organon continues to advocate for better access to healthcare, early disease detection, and preventive measures to address critical health concerns, including cardiovascular disease. To learn more about Organon’s initiatives, visit www.organon.com.
