LIST: Martin Romualdez's reported health issues

After the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, his camp petitioned for him to remain in the hospital instead. But what exactly ails the embattled lawmaker?

In a nine-page manifestation, Romualdez’s camp said he was admitted to a hospital on September 7. The document cited a medical history involving cardiovascular and neurological conditions.

• Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) - According to the American Heart Organization, ASCVD is caused by plaque buildup on the arterial walls. It could cause conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and more.
• Unstable Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, S/P PCI (post percutaneous coronary intervention) - An unstable angina is a type of chest pain when the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Coronary Artery Disease, on the other hand, is caused by narrowing or blocking of coronary arteries.
• Cerebrovascular Ischemic Disease - This is a broad term for ailments where blood flow to the brain is temporarily affected by ischemia or bleeding, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is a type of chronic condition for people with high blood sugar
• Hypertension - Hypertension or high blood pressure is elevated pressure within the arteries. It affects 37% of Filipinos as of 2022, according to the Medical City.
• Dyslipidemia - Dyslipidemia is defined as abnormalities of lipids or fats in the blood, according to a study from the US National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• Primary Hypothyroidism - This ailment affects the thyroid and causes it make low levels of thyroid hormones. This may cause brain fog, depression, and anxiety, among other symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Romualdez also reportedly suffered an anxiety attack before he was served the arrest warrant.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed a P7.4-billion plunder case against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and several others in connection with the flood control scam.

Despite Romualdez’s reported health issues, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has considered him a flight risk. — VBL, GMA News