53 lives lost: Heart and blood vessel diseases top Kalinga’s leading cause of death 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels claimed 53 lives in Kalinga during the first six months of 2026, making them the province's leading cause of death, according to the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO).

OPHO data showed that from January to June 2026, a total of 53 deaths were attributed to diseases of the circulatory system. Of the total, 28 were females and 25 were males.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), diseases of the circulatory system include conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These include illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, hypertension-related complications, and other disorders that impair blood circulation.

Ranking second among the leading causes of death were diseases of the respiratory system, which claimed 50 lives, followed by neoplasms (cancer) with 28 deaths. Congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 17 deaths, while diseases of the genitourinary system caused 10 deaths.

The latest figures mark a shift from previous years. In 2025, all forms of cancer were the province's leading cause of death with 97 recorded fatalities—54 males and 43 females. In 2024, pneumonia topped the list with 117 deaths.

Health officials urged the public not to ignore symptoms such as persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or sudden weakness, stressing that early medical consultation can help prevent serious complications.

Medical experts also recommend maintaining a healthy circulatory system by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and undergoing regular blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol check-ups.

They also advise individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or other cardiovascular conditions to take prescribed medications consistently and consult healthcare providers regularly to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.