Stroke cases surge in Western Visayas

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Health officials in Western Visayas have raised concern over a sharp increase in stroke cases in the region, with medical experts citing uncontrolled hypertension, poor compliance with maintenance medication, and unhealthy lifestyle habits as major contributing factors.

Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares Quiñon, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, cited specialists from the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, who observed a significant rise in stroke patients in recent years.

“According to our specialist, they were alarmed because in 2024, there were only a total of 808 cases, but in 2025, the number rose to 2,326,” Quiñon said in a statement May 22.

She added that hospital data recorded 157 stroke cases as of April 2026, while an average of four to five patients reportedly seek consultation or admission daily at the Western Visayas Medical Center for stroke-related conditions.

Quiñon said the increase may be linked to patients failing to consistently take prescribed maintenance medication, while others remain unaware they already have hypertension.

She noted that high blood pressure is often considered a “silent” condition because symptoms may not immediately appear until serious complications, such as stroke or heart attack, suddenly occur.

Uncontrolled hypertension can gradually damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blocked or ruptured arteries in the brain.

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen.

Delayed treatment may result in permanent disability, paralysis, speech impairment, or death.

Quiñon urged individuals with hypertension and other medical conditions to consistently take their maintenance medication and adopt healthier lifestyles.

“Maintenance medicines should be taken every day without fail,” she stressed.

She also encouraged the public to exercise regularly, eat balanced meals in moderation, and reduce their intake of salty, fatty, and highly processed foods.

“Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, and avoid smoking or vaping as these are major factors that contribute to high blood pressure, myocardial infarction or heart attack, and stroke among patients,” she added.

Individuals 20 and older were also urged to undergo regular screening at primary health care facilities and rural health units to determine their risks for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

According to Quiñon, early detection allows patients to begin lifestyle changes and medication before complications develop.

Health authorities said strengthening public awareness of preventive health care remains essential as stroke continues to impose heavy social and economic burdens on families because of hospitalization costs, long-term treatment, and loss of productivity.