Addressing the risk factors for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the Philippines

To the Editor, Ischaemic heart disease topped the causes of death in the Philippines from January to July 2023.More than 65 000 cases of this ailment were recorded during those 6 months, representing 19% of all recorded deaths during that time. 1 The disease develops when the heart's arteries fail to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart due to a buildup of plaque in the lining of the arteries. 2The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol.A risk factor is a characteristic, condition or behaviour that increases the likelihood of getting a disease or injury.Risk factors are often presented individually, however, in practice they do not occur alone, often coexisting and interacting with one another. 3Table 1 presents the statistical data based on various surveys on the most common risk factors for CVDs in the Philippines.With the WHO emphasizing the need to address these risk factors, the Philippine government implemented new intervention programs.For smoking, the government enacted Republic Act No. 11900 (the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products (VNNPs) and novel tobacco products (NTPs).It also aims to reduce the harm caused by smoking and establishes a comprehensive and differentiated regulatory framework for the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, along with other novel tobacco products.The law safeguards minors by restricting the sale, including the online trade, distribution and marketing of VNNPs and NTPs.It prohibits tobacco product-related activities within 100 m of schools, playgrounds and facilities frequented by minors. 4For alcohol consumption, the government has imposed an increased excise tax through Republic Act No. 11467 for different alcohol products. 5 The high taxes for companies will be cascaded to consumers, causing hesitancy to buy alcohol products and thus