Heart Problems and Insurance

February 11, 2022

Filipinos are certified food and meat lovers. In 2020, chicken and pork were the most consumed meat products in our country. A recent survey also showed that almost 50% of Filipinos eat at fast food restaurants one to three times a week on average, which is why heart disease can likely strike you before reaching the age of 50. 

 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Philippines with 56,760 deaths in 2021. 

There are several different types of heart disease and each has different symptoms and treatment.

Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart problem and the top killer in our country. When you have this disease, your coronary arteries which are responsible for supplying blood to your heart may have blockages. Without enough supply of blood and oxygen to your heart muscle, it increases your risk of hypertension, heart attack or stroke.

Cardiomyopathy or Heart Muscle Disease makes it harder for your heart to pump adequate blood to all parts of your body. This condition may worsen if not treated immediately.

Pericardial Disease is caused by a viral infection in which the sac-like covering around your heart becomes swollen. It can range from mild to a life-threatening condition.

Age, genes, stress, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cigarette smoking increase your risk of developing a heart disease. Men who are above 55 years old and menopause women are also not exempted from having this condition.

Although heart disease is inevitable, there are still plenty of ways you can do to take good care of your heart. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Stop smoking. Chemicals in tobacco may cause your blood to thicken and may harden your arteries and veins.

If you’re not a smoker, make sure to avoid secondhand smoke as this is more harmful than primary smoke. It contains 7,000 chemicals that can also cause cancer. 

Keep an active lifestyle. Make it a habit to do regular physical activities, at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. Exercise is good for your heart and can help regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing other medical conditions. So, instead of consuming processed foods, sugary and salty snacks, and alcoholic beverages just switch to whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.

Eating healthy can keep your weight under control and let you achieve a slimmer waistline. Did you know that your waist measurement is a good indicator that there is excess fat inside your organs? That’s why it is important to maintain your waist size to 40 inches if you are a male and 35 inches if you are a female.

Manage stress. Choose healthy ways to cope with stress like doing yoga and meditation, practicing deep breathing exercises, talking to your friends and loved ones or making time to unwind. 

 

Get regular checkups. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels can help identify any risks or diseases early on. 

 

Have a good sleep. Most adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep to keep you healthy.
It can also help you maintain or lose weight.

You’ll notice that when you lack sleep you get hungry easily and overeat. It’s because your hunger hormones are acting up. Sleep deprivation affects the levels of ghrelin, a hormone that makes you feel hungry, and leptin, a hormone that makes you feel full, in your body.

Secure coverage. The costs of treatment for a heart disease can derail your finances. What if you don’t have money to pay for it? How can you get better and live longer?

Planning ahead is the key. Get a reliable insurance plan even before you need it and save your hard-earned money against out-of-pocket medical expenses.

“When I turned 50, I started to feel some aches and pains around my body. One day while I was driving home I started to feel pressure on my chest and had difficulty breathing. But I ignored those signals. Not until July of 2021, my wife rushed me to the hospital because I can barely breathe. At first, we thought it could be COVID-19, but after running some tests the doctor confirmed that I was having a mild stroke.” Jeirich, 52.

Aging can cause changes in your heart and blood vessels. For now, you may seem healthier but as you get older the arteries around your heart may start to harden which can lead to cardiovascular disease. That’s why Paramount Direct designed a comprehensive plan called PrimeHealth Cash Plan, intended for individuals from age 40 up to 74 years old.

Our PrimeHealth Cash Plan provides life and accidental death and critical illness benefits, and covers critical illnesses like heart attack, stroke, cancer, coronary artery bypass surgery and end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis.

The critical illness benefit is directly paid to you once diagnosed with any serious medical condition mentioned above. On top of it, you will also be provided with medical assistance benefits that are given monthly for a year.

Premium begins at PHP229 per month. Based on insurance age of 40 and Plan 100. Application is fast and easy. No need for any medical examinations. Just head on to www.paramountdirect.com to enroll.

Start a heart-healthy lifestyle plan now so you can #redirect towards shaping you and your family’s future.

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