MANILA, Philippines, 29 January 2026 – February is often linked to conversations about the heart, making it an ideal time to look beyond symbolism and focus on its vital role in sustaining everyday life. As Valentine’s Day is observed across the country, alongside celebrations of love and connection, attention must also be given to heart health. This is highlighted by a pressing reality shaping the nation’s health landscape: cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Filipinos, with 40,532 cases accounting for 20.0 percent of total deaths nationwide in 2025.
Contrary to common belief, cardiovascular disease is not limited to older adults. While aging naturally brings changes to blood vessels, modern lifestyles have increasingly blurred the age barrier for cardiovascular disease. Younger Filipino adults are now also at risk, as poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and prolonged screen time place added strain on the cardiovascular system much earlier in life.
Stress, in particular, has become a significant yet often overlooked contributor. During periods of stress, the body releases hormones that temporarily raise blood pressure by increasing heart rate and narrowing blood vessels. While stress alone has not been shown to cause long-term hypertension, repeated spikes in blood pressure, along with stress-related behaviors such as poor diet, inactivity, and excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke over time. Emotional stress may also damage artery walls and disrupt the management of existing heart conditions, especially when linked to anxiety, depression, or social isolation. These pressures, combined with genetic and lifestyle factors, contribute to early cardiovascular strain and are closely linked to oxidative stress, a biological imbalance in which free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. Common sources of oxidative stress include environmental toxins, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and chronic stress. When left unchecked, excess free radicals can damage cells, stiffen blood vessels, and impair circulation, placing added strain on the heart.
This is where antioxidants play a critical role by fighting free radicals and helping protect blood vessels from oxidative damage, supporting healthy circulation and overall cardiovascular function. One such source is LAC MASQUELIER, a scientifically based antioxidant supplement containing original Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Compounds or OPCs. Known for their potency, these antioxidants help combat oxidative stress while supporting vascular flexibility and efficient blood flow, contributing to long-term cardiovascular health and overall wellness.
Beyond antioxidant protection, LAC MASQUELIER® French Pine Bark Extract also supports blood vessel strength and elasticity, which are essential for efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart and other vital organs. Its unique three-way action includes collagen support, helping maintain the structural integrity of blood vessels and connective tissues, which naturally decline with age and free radical exposure.
For more comprehensive cardiovascular support, LAC Activated® Heart Protect™ is formulated to address multiple heart health risk factors in adults aged 18 years and above. Taken as a dietary supplement at one vegicap daily, it is designed to support everyday cardiovascular health as part of a balanced lifestyle. Endorsed by the Japan Nattokinase Association, the formula contains 2000FU of Nattokinase, a fibrinolytic enzyme traditionally consumed in Japan to help support healthy blood flow and circulation. It is complemented by lecithin, which supports healthy cholesterol levels, and hawthorn, an antioxidant-rich herb known to promote heart and vascular function.
Heart disease often develops silently, with warning signs appearing only in later stages, emphasizing the importance of early and proactive care. Alongside regular movement, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep, antioxidant and heart-supporting supplements can play a role in maintaining long-term cardiovascular health. Through informed choices and proactive action, caring for the heart supports not only longevity, but also the quality of life needed to stay active, connected, and well.
