Heart disease tops causes of death in PH; COVID-19 third

Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, coronary heart disease remains the top cause of death in the Philippines for January to November 2021, according to PSA data.

Ischemic heart disease accounted for 17.9% of total deaths, followed by cerebrovascular diseases at 9.7%.

COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death with 67,494 cases or 9.6%, marking a significant increase from 8,390 cases or 1.5% in the same period in 2020.

Calabarzon had the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19, followed by Metro Manila and Central Luzon.