Non-Communicable Diseases Overview

Non-Communicable Diseases

• Non-communicable diseases are those that are not infectious, not transmitted, and not contagious.
• These diseases are often chronic or lifestyle-related.
• Examples include cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes.
• In the Philippines (NSO, 2009), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were the leading cause of death, accounting for 33.8% of deaths.

Top 10 Causes of Mortality in the Philippines (NSO, 2009)

• Diseases of the heart: 21%
• Cerebrovascular disease: 11.8%
• Malignant neoplasm: 9.9%
• Pneumonia: 8.9%
• Tuberculosis: 5.3%
• COPD: 4.7%
• Diabetes: 4.6%
• Nephritis: 2.9%
• Assault: 2.5%
• Certain conditions arising from the perinatal period: 2.4%

Blood Pressure Classification

• Normal: <120/80
• Pre-hypertension: 120-139 / 80-89
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159/90-99
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 160-179 / 100-109
• Stage 3 Hypertension: ≥ 180/110

Cholesterol Levels (mg/dL)

• LDL Cholesterol: -<100: Optimal -100-129: Above Optimal -130-159: Borderline High -160-189: High -≥190: Very High
• Total Cholesterol: -<200: Desirable -200-239: Borderline High -≥240: High

Cancer

• In the Philippines, 50,000 cancer cases are reported annually.
• Cancer is a group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth.
• Carcinogens are substances that cause genetic mutations in cells, leading to cancer.
• Common cancers include breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men.
• Cancer screening aims at detecting warning signs early.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• COPD is a disease of the lungs where airways narrow over time.
• It is a major cause of death in the Philippines, accounting for 4.7%.
• Examples of COPD conditions include bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema.
• Smoking is a significant risk factor for COPD, with approximately 15% of smokers developing the condition. Vaping has a similar effect on the body as cigarette smoking.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels.
• It's caused by inadequate insulin production or the body's cells not responding properly to insulin.
• Symptoms include frequent urination (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger (polyphagia), weight loss, and vision changes.

Mental Health

• Mental health is a state of well-being where individuals realize their potential, can cope with life's stresses, are productive, creative, and contribute to society.
• Stressful life events, difficult family backgrounds, brain diseases, heredity, and medical problems can lead to mental health problems.