A lot of Filipinos don’t have emergency funds or savings set aside for medical expenses. This is why when a fatal disease strikes, people feel doomed and end up getting buried in debt.

Just imagine how painful it is to go through both the emotional and financial stress apart from the physical anguish of the person inflicted with the disease. The whole family suffers.

It’s therefore important to be well aware of the deadliest diseases in the Philippines, so that we can work toward prevention. After all, prevention is still the best cure. But just in case you still get hit by the disease, it’s good to know how much the usual treatments cost.

Coronary Heart Disease

Every single year, more than 85,000 people in the Philippines die of heart disease. Many of them do not even get a chance to be treated because they cannot afford it.

The sad truth in this country--- the free health care and medical attention you can possibly get are usually substandard. Thus, you really need a huge amount to get the best treatment.

Usually, cardiologist fees and lab tests will cost you $1,000 to $5,000 depending on what needs to be done or what stage you are in. If you end up in the ICU, that will certainly be costly, about $300 to $600 per day.

The average price for a closed heart surgery is at $4,000 while an open heart surgery would cost about $8,000. This is only the average, but of course it depends on the hospital and condition. Often this does not include doctor’s professional fees yet.

Indeed because of the common diet of Filipinos and other factors, many experience plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries, which eventually lead to heart attacks.

Thus, if you don’t want to have this kind of disease and be subjected to the high medical bills, it’s best to avoid high cholesterol foods and smoking. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

Stroke

Another common cause of death in the Philippines is stroke. These days, even young adults already get strokes because of their bad habits and vices. And if you have this in your family medical history, all the more that you should take extra care with your body and lifestyle.

According to the World Health Organization, stroke accounts for about 65,000 deaths in the Philippines per year. This makes up more than 12% of deaths.

Referred to as “brain attacks”, strokes refer to the lack of oxygen in brain cells or sudden cutoff of blood flow to the brain.

Those who have strokes may need to undergo several treatments and even physical therapy. Some of them also stay in the ICU for a considerable amount of time. Hence, the overall cost is similar to what you’ll be spending for heart disease hospital care.

Stroke rehabilitation takes several months and will incur costs of around $2,000 to $20,000 depending on how long, severity of the condition, facility, doctor and therapist, and other factors.

To prevent this deadly disease, you have to avoid smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol. It’s also important to eat healthy and nutritious food and to exercise regularly. If you’re already suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, early medical intervention is important in order to avoid having strokes too.

Available Help for Those Suffering from Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke

Those who do not have enough funds usually seek assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which has an Individual Charity Assistance Division. However, there is no guarantee of the amount you will receive. Often you will get only 50% or less of what you need.

It is also customary for Filipinos to seek help from government officials. Usually, the offices of mayors, congressmen, and senators allot a certain amount for medical assistance of ordinary individuals.

At present, another good option is for you to turn to Online Fundraising. This way, your reach can go worldwide. Who knows whose hearts will be moved by your story? There are plenty of people willing to give financial help for such cases. Sometimes they can relate to your current plight.

Try to start your free fundraising campaign today here at LetUsFund.com. You might be surprised to receive donations as early as now.