Philippine Press Institute, Novartis hold media workshop to enhance health literacy in managing cholesterol and promote heart health

• The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) held a health reporting workshop to help local journalists gain a deeper understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or “bad cholesterol”) management to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• The workshop was supported by Novartis Healthcare Philippines and the Alliance and Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions (APPIS), which has health literacy as one of its three pillars.
• In the Philippines, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading noncommunicable disease with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as the top contributor. ASCVD includes ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease which are among the top causes of death in the country. The top 3 risk factors of ASCVD are high systolic pressure, high-fat diet, and elevated LDL-C.^1-3

The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) held a health reporting workshop to help local journalists gain a deeper understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or “bad cholesterol”) management to reduce cardiovascular risk. The hybrid workshop was supported by Novartis Healthcare Philippines and the Alliance and Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions (APPIS), which has health literacy as one of its three pillars.

“The medical knowledge imparted by expert resource persons in this workshop empowers journalists to promote health literacy on better heart health,” said PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino.

“By working with health care professionals, policymakers and health care organizations focused on heart health, media has the power to create a sense of urgency and mobilize action to ensure that cholesterol management becomes a public health priority,” said PPI chairman and Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo.

In the Philippines, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading noncommunicable disease with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as the top contributor. ASCVD includes ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease which are among the top causes of death in the country. The top 3 risk factors of ASCVD are high systolic pressure, high-fat diet, and elevated LDL-C.^1-3

But these statistics aren’t just numbers. They’re our loved ones, our friends, our colleagues, and even ourselves. Together, we can change that. By providing the right care as early as possible, we can prevent 80% of heart attacks, strokes, and early deaths from CVD.

Dr. Marc Del Rosario, Head, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, put a human face on the statistics by sharing the life and death struggle of three patients with CVD. “Individuals who have had a heart attack are six times more likely to have another attack and stroke survivors are nine times more likely to have another stroke. The risk of a recurrent heart attack is the highest within the first year of having a heart attack,” he warned. 

Dr. Del Rosario explained that high levels of LDL-C in the blood contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits within the arterial walls, which can result in narrowed or blocked arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack. Managing LDL-C levels is crucial for preventing and treating ASCVD, so it's important to know your cholesterol numbers and to work with your doctor to assess your cardiovascular risk, he added “This is why Novartis co-created the Unblocked Movement with doctors, patient groups, and other partners. We want to bring everyone together to unlock barriers to heart health. We need as many people and organizations to start singing the same tune, because this is the only way people can become more aware of the importance of cholesterol management and care about their heart health as well as that of their loved ones. At Novartis, we are working to end deaths due to CVD within a generation. We envision a world where families are not prematurely robbed of their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters,” said Mr. Joel Chong, Country President, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

Dr. Raul Lapitan, Adult Clinical Cardiologist and Echocardiographer, Makati Medical Center, shone the spotlight on the evolution of LDL-C management that has resulted in the availability of new, innovative therapies. “LDL-C levels can be controlled and potentially reduced through lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medication. By implementing medical interventions and making appropriate lifestyle changes, individuals can lower their LDL-C levels, thereby reducing their risk of heart attack, stroke and other associated health issues,” he said.

“A cardiovascular event will happen sooner if you are constantly exposed to high LDL-C. Lower LDL-C levels can help prevent serious events like strokes and heart attacks, so knowing your risk and cholesterol goals is crucial,” said Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, Head of Preventive Cardiology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center. 

She highlighted the recommendations of the Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society (PLAS) and other medical organizations on stricter LDL-C targets for individuals with a history of heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular procedures. The goal is 70 mg/dl for diabetics with additional risk factors and 55 mg/dl for heart attack or stroke victims.

Through the Unblocked Movement, PPI and Novartis, with the support of PLAS, want to empower as many people as possible to live healthier lives through timely diagnosis and treatment that keeps hearts beating stronger and longer.

“A multi sectoral approach is key to reducing the burden of CVDs and managing risk factors such as high cholesterol. Through the collaboration of medical societies, government, industry and communities, we can implement lifestyle interventions and enhance access to care focusing on prevention for a healthier future for all. Media plays a crucial role in shaping public health. We need the help of our friends in the media to combat medical misinformation with accurate, evidence-based reporting. Together, we can empower our fellow Filipinos with knowledge and facilitate informed healthcare decision making,” said PLAS president Dr. Deborah David Ona.

“We thank PPI and its members for supporting our shared purpose of promoting health literacy in the country. Equipped with the right knowledge, more Filipinos can take steps towards preventing future cardiac events and ultimately achieving lifelong victories over heart disease. I invite all to know their cholesterol numbers and assess their cardiovascular risk by visiting our microsite, UnblockedMovement.ph,” said Ms. Christine Fajardo, Head, Communications & Patient Advocacy, Philippines and Asia Aspiring Cluster, Novartis.

Rappler Managing Editor Miriam Grace Go shared her insights with workshop participants on effective communication and engagement in covering health stories. “You have to own the story that you produce, ensure that the right authorities pay attention to your stories and make a call to action.”

The workshop aimed to educate journalists about the heavy disease burden of ASCVD in the country; empower journalists to increase public awareness on uncontrolled LDL-C as a silent killer that is often neglected due to the absence of signs and symptoms; underscore the importance of reducing LDL-C levels to mitigate ASCVD risk; educate journalists on the evolution of therapies to keep LDL-C on target; and invite participants to join the Unblocked Movement, an initiative co-created with partners and supported by Novartis to bring patients, their loved ones, healthcare professionals and healthcare systems together in a shared mission to unblock barriers to heart health. To visit the Unblocked Movement website, click here.