St. Luke’s Global City Expands Heart Institute Services to Meet Rising Cardiovascular Demands 

Taguig City, Philippines – With cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remaining the top cause of death in the Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City (SLMC–GC) is responding to the growing healthcare challenge by significantly expanding the services of its renowned Heart Institute. This expansion aims not only to accommodate the increasing number of patients seeking cardiac care but also to advance the hospital’s ability to offer state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary cardiovascular services.

A Timely Response to a Pressing Public Health Crisis

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, heart-related diseases continue to be the leading cause of mortality in the country, accounting for nearly 20% of all deaths in recent years. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, smoking, and lack of access to early intervention remain major contributors to the growing number of Filipinos with heart disease.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City has taken a bold step in scaling its cardiac services through a comprehensive expansion of its Heart Institute. The goal is to meet patient needs more effectively while keeping pace with international standards of excellence.

What’s New in the Heart Institute?

The expanded Heart Institute at SLMC–Global City now offers an even more comprehensive range of services under one roof. Among the notable improvements and additions are:

1. Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging
SLMC–GC has upgraded its imaging capabilities with the latest in echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT coronary angiography. These imaging technologies are essential for diagnosing and managing complex cardiovascular conditions with greater precision.

2. Hybrid Operating Rooms
The expansion includes the establishment of hybrid operating rooms (ORs) designed for complex cardiac and vascular procedures. These ORs are equipped with integrated imaging systems that allow for both surgical and catheter-based interventions, improving patient safety and reducing recovery times.

3. Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Management
With heart rhythm disorders on the rise, the Heart Institute now features a full-service Electrophysiology Lab that offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatments for arrhythmias, including catheter ablation, pacemaker and defibrillator implantations, and advanced mapping systems.

4. Enhanced Interventional Cardiology
New catheterization labs (Cath Labs) have been added to accommodate the rising number of angioplasty, stenting, and structural heart interventions, including transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR) and mitral clip procedures.

5. Integrated Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Recognizing the importance of post-treatment recovery, the expanded institute now provides a more structured cardiovascular rehabilitation program. This includes exercise therapy, dietary guidance, psychosocial support, and long-term lifestyle coaching.

6. Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Services
St. Luke’s is one of the hospitals in the country equipped to handle congenital heart disease in both children and adults. The Heart Institute’s pediatric wing has been enhanced to cater to infants and young children needing specialized surgical and non-surgical treatments.

7. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The new setup emphasizes a team-based approach to care, integrating cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, endocrinologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists. This ensures patients receive holistic and coordinated care at every stage.

Why This Matters: A Closer Look at the Cardiovascular Health Landscape

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 17 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases globally, and the Philippines mirrors this alarming trend. Locally, the rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol has dramatically increased the demand for cardiac care.

Moreover, a 2023 report by the Department of Health highlighted that many Filipinos present with heart disease at a younger age compared to global averages. Limited access to preventive care, poor health literacy, and delayed medical consultations contribute to more advanced disease states by the time treatment is sought.

The Urban Cardiac Burden

Urban areas like Metro Manila, despite better access to healthcare facilities, are not exempt from this trend. In fact, the pressures of modern living—stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise—compound cardiovascular risk. St. Luke’s Global City, situated in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, serves a large and diverse patient population, making it critical for the hospital to lead in cardiac healthcare delivery.

Setting the Standard for Cardiac Care in the Philippines

The Heart Institute's expansion solidifies St. Luke’s Global City’s status as one of the top cardiac centers in Southeast Asia. Known for pioneering medical technologies in the Philippines, SLMC–GC continues to invest heavily in training, infrastructure, and international partnerships.

Dr. Roy Gonzalez, Head of the Heart Institute, said during the launch:
“This expansion allows us to raise the standard of cardiovascular care in the country. With the increasing burden of heart disease, our responsibility is to ensure that every Filipino—regardless of background—has access to world-class heart care.”

A Patient-Centered Future

In addition to clinical excellence, St. Luke’s Heart Institute places high importance on patient experience. The new facility was designed with comfort in mind—spacious private rooms, faster diagnostic processes, and a focus on reducing patient anxiety through education and support services.

SLMC–GC also embraces digital health, with telecardiology consultations and mobile follow-up services now being rolled out to improve access and continuity of care.

Looking Ahead

St. Luke’s Medical Center’s investment in the future of cardiovascular healthcare reflects a broader need for the Philippine healthcare system to anticipate growing non-communicable disease burdens. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for sustained, quality cardiac care.

The expanded Heart Institute is not just a building—it is a commitment to saving lives, improving outcomes, and setting a benchmark for others to follow.