Deposits of fat and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) cause almost all cases of ischaemic heart disease which is now the most serious disease both in Philippines and UK. The causes are the same, but the relative importance of the risk factors varies between the countries.
High levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidaemia) is one risk factor, common to both countries. In the UK statins are prescribed more frequently to lower these fats. We eat less "pure fat" but it's "disguised" in very many foods. The other risk factors are diabetes and high blood pressure ( both less often treated in Philippines), cigarette smoking and obesity (equally common), lack of exercise ( ? more common in Philippines), and heavy alcohol consumption ( more common in UK).
