Matthew (not his real name) was always in great shape. A retired pilot, he had spent decades flying all over the world. His career required annual medical exams, including electrocardiograms (ECGs), to ensure he was fit to fly. But one day, something changed. An ECG revealed an abnormality in his heart. Further tests confirmed what he never expected: a 40% blockage in one of his major arteries. It wasn’t life-threatening—yet—but his doctors warned him that it needed to be closely monitored. For the next 20 years, Matthew did everything right. He exercised, ate well, and followed his cardiologist’s advice. His condition remained stable, and he continued flying, eventually retiring from flying and taking up mountain biking and hiking. Then, in 2023, CAD symptoms started.
Learn More: Coronary Artery Disease In Singapore >>
The Subtle Symptoms Of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Like many people with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Matthew didn’t experience sudden, dramatic chest pain. Instead, it started with a burning sensation in his chest whenever he exercised.
At first, he dismissed it. He wasn’t out of breath, and the discomfort always faded when he stopped moving. But CAD is a silent killer, and the symptoms can be deceiving.
What Are The Symptoms Of CAD?
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina) – A dull ache, burning, or tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath – Struggling to catch your breath with mild exertion
- Fatigue – Feeling drained even after minimal activity
- Pain in the jaw, arm, neck, or back – Warning signs often mistaken for muscle pain
- Dizziness or nausea – Especially during or after physical activity
If you experience any of these, don’t ignore them—they could be the only warning before a heart attack strikes.
Matthew sought medical advice, and his cardiologist prescribed medication and lifestyle changes. For a while, it seemed to work. But then, everything changed.
The Day His Heart Couldn’t Hold On Any Longer
One evening in 2024, Matthew wasn’t exercising—but the burning in his chest came anyway.
He knew this was different. His heart was struggling even at rest. This wasn’t just a warning—it was an emergency.
His wife rushed him to the hospital, where doctors determined he hadn’t had a heart attack yet. But something was very wrong.
Matthew was transferred to a specialist heart hospital, where his cardiologist ordered an immediate heart catheterisation. The results were devastating:
🔴 Matthew had six critically blocked arteries.
He was now in grave danger. His only option was emergency bypass surgery.
Six Bypasses, Ten Hours of Surgery – And A Second Chance at Life
Matthew was wheeled into the operating theatre, where a leading cardiac surgeon, spent ten hours reconstructing his heart. Six bypass grafts were performed to restore blood flow.
The surgery was a success, but recovery was not to be easy. He had come dangerously close to a fatal heart attack.
With the support of an incredible medical team, Matthew spent weeks in rehabilitation, regaining his strength. It was tough, but he fought back.
Six weeks later, Matthew was back on his feet—literally. He played two hours of sports, rode his bike for kilometers, and celebrated his recovery.
He had survived—but many others don’t.
Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs – Get Screened Now
Matthew was lucky. You may not be.
🔴 Coronary artery blockages don’t happen overnight—but they can go from mild to life-threatening before you even realise it.
🔴 50% of people who die from a heart attack never had symptoms before it struck.
🔴 A simple heart screening could save your life.
Learn More: Heart Health Screening In Singapore >>
Our heartcare partners have comprehensive cardiac screening can detect early signs of CAD before it’s too late. If you have risk factors or symptoms, we can also arrange a cardiologist appointment to guide you on the next steps.
📞 Don’t wait for an emergency. Contact us today to book your heart screening and take control of your heart health.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.