The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the Philippine Heart Rhythm Society (PHRS) marked Global Pulse Day on March 1 with a month‑long campaign. The effort aims to teach Filipinos how to feel their pulse and spot cardiac arrhythmias early.
Arrhythmia affects one in three people worldwide. The condition often goes unnoticed until it causes serious problems. Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo, a cardiologist‑electrophysiologist and PHRS treasurer, said a quick pulse check can reveal life‑threatening rhythm disorders. “Tinatawag din po kami na electrician ng puso,” he said. “By the way, hindi lang one day observance — ginawa natin itong buong buwan para mas ma‑emphasize ang kahalagahan ng pulse awareness.”
Dr. Iris Garcia, PHA director‑III and advocacy chair, added that every heartbeat tells a story. “Minsan sinasabi nitong pagod tayo. Minsan sinasabi nitong excited tayo o kinakabahan. And sometimes, it can quietly tell us that something may not be right—even before we feel any symptoms. That’s why learning to listen to your heart—literally—can be very important.”
Segundo explained that arrhythmia is not a single disease. “Maaaring pinanganak ka na may arrhythmia, o kaya naman komplikasyon ito ng ibang sakit sa puso,” he said. “Ang problema, ang alam ng karamihan—heart attack lang. Hindi nalalaman na may ibang kondisyon na pwede nang tahimik lang perodelikado.”
Atrial fibrillation is the most common form. “Compatible with life siya,” Segundo noted. “Ibig sabihin, pwedeng nabubuhay ang pasyente nang hindi alam na may arrhythmia na siya.” Garcia cited a global study: “Studies show that one of the most common types of arrhythmia, called Atrial Fibrillation, continues to increase worldwide—from 33.5 million cases in 2010 to nearly 59 million in 2019.”
If left untreated, arrhythmia can cause blood clots. “Kapag nagkaroon ng clot, pwede itong magdulot ng stroke o pulmonary embolism,” Segundo warned. “Kung ma‑diagnose natin nang maaga, pwede nating maiwasan ang heart failure at stroke.”
The campaign teaches the radial pulse method. Locate the pulse at the wrist, below the thumb. Use the index and middle fingers. Count beats for a full minute. A normal resting pulse ranges from 60 to under 100 beats per minute. “May mga tao, lalo na atleta, na mas mabagal ang pulso dahil mas efficient ang puso nila. Parang makina—kapag mas conditioned, mas kaunting effort ang kailangan,” Segundo explained.
Irregular rhythm, not just fast or slow rate, signals danger. “Bukod sa bilang, dapat regular ang pintig. Kapag hindi, maaaring kailangan nang magpatingin,” he said.
Common sensations like palpitations are often harmless. “Normal lang ‘yan kung may trigger, tulad ng kaba o pagod,” Segundo said. “Pero kung nangyayari ito kahit walang dahilan, magandang magpacheck‑up.”
Even athletes must be vigilant. “Hindi dahil atleta ka, automatic na okay ka,” he cautioned. “Kung sasali sa sports, lalo na competitive, mahalagang magpa‑check‑up muna.”
Wearable devices can aid screening but are not medical devices in the Philippines. “Sa Pilipinas, hindi pa sila considered na medical devices,” Segundo said. “Pero malaking tulong sila sa screening.” Proper fit and consistent use improve accuracy. “Mas maraming datos, mas nagiging reliable, halimbawa madalas mong suotin at dapat sakto ang sukat,” he noted.
Not every irregular beat is dangerous. “Hindi lahat ng irregular na pintig delikado,” Segundo said. “Pero kung hindi mo ipapacheck, hindi mo rin malalaman.”
Garcia summed up the message. “Remember, every heartbeat tells a story. Listen to it, understand it, and don’t ignore it. Whether it’s regular or irregular, being aware is the first step to prevention.” She urged the public to act. “Let’s make it a habit to ‘Know Your Pulse’. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it’s life‑saving.”
Hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are holding free workshops. The PHA and PHRS hope the month‑long drive will turn pulse checking into a daily habit for Filipinos.
Know Your Pulse: Simple Check Can Spot Hidden Heart Risks
