Experts call for mental health in cardiac care

Experts at the 56th Philippine Heart Association–Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA‑PCC) convention urged a tighter link between mental health integration in cardiac care and better outcomes, saying the mind‑body connection can no longer be ignored.

Panel Calls for Integrated Care Model

The Advocacy Hour session, titled “Mental Health & The Heart,” gathered cardiologists, psychiatrists, faith leaders and media personalities at the Edsa Shangri‑La Manila on May 26, 2026. Organizers framed emotional stress, anxiety and burnout as risk factors comparable to cholesterol or hypertension.

Medical research cited during the discussion notes that chronic stress raises cortisol and adrenaline, fuels inflammation and can damage arteries, leading to higher blood pressure and long‑term heart disease.

Dr. Iris M. Garcia opened the dialogue, stating, “Mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we think, feel, act, relate with others, and make decisions every day.” She added, “When a person goes through depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or emotional overload, not only the mind and emotions are affected. The body is affected too, including the heart.”

Garcia urged clinicians to create “compassionate and judgment‑free spaces where people can openly discuss emotional struggles and seek professional support.” She said seeking help “is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing.”

Emotional Well‑Being Seen as Clinical Priority

Dr. Joan Mae Perez‑Rifareal emphasized that “Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other.” She reminded the audience that stress is natural, but “unmanaged and chronic stress may lead to anxiety, burnout, depression, unhealthy coping behaviors, and increased health risks.”

The psychiatrist recommended sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, hobbies, emotional outlets and strong support networks as basic safeguards for psychological well‑being.

For many patients, the shift means appointments that include a brief mental‑health screening alongside blood‑pressure checks.

Hershey Neri, an actress and advocate, shared a personal story, saying, “The therapy really changed my life.” She described therapy as “like peeling off a band‑aid. It hurts because you are healing.” Neri highlighted that “sometimes people do not need advice right away. Sometimes they just want someone to ask, ‘How can I help?’”

Spiritual leader Ed Lapiz also contributed to the discussion.

Healthcare leaders said addressing depression, anxiety and burnout could improve long‑term cardiovascular outcomes and help lower the global burden of heart disease. The session closed with a reminder that protecting the mind is equally important as protecting the heart.