Heart Failure In Singapore
Heart failure in Singapore is a common type of heart disease. It affects people here more than those in the West, and at an earlier age. Learn more about heart failure with our collection of informative articles and resources.
Screen For Heart Failure – Detect For Early Intervention.
Early detection is crucial as it allows for medical intervention to be given in a more timely manner, when conditions are easier to manage. Book your comprehensive screenings today and protect your health. Explore health screening packages from our healthcare partners here.
Book your comprehensive health screening now.
See A Doctor
Looking for doctor for treatment of heart disease? Singapore cardiologists you can consider include the following:
Click below for a listing:
Financials
MediSave / MediShield
According to CPF (as of Jul 2024), you can use MediSave to cover outpatient services, including chronic disease (such as certain heart diseases or conditions that can lead to heart disease) treatments and preventative care at GPs, polyclinics and Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs).
Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies regarding outpatient treatments.
Financial Planning For Cost Of Medical Treatment In Singapore
The cost of medical treatment in Singapore is a significant concern for many individuals and families. Proper financial planning is.
MediSave And Medishield Life Coverage For Overseas Singaporeans
Know more about MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans coverage for overseas medical expenses.
Heart Associations And Organisations
Resources On Food And Drugs
FAQs
What are the statistics for heart disease in Singapore? How common is it?
According to statistics, 23 people die from cardiovascular disease (heart diseases and stroke) every day in Singapore. Cardiovascular disease was the cause of 31.4% of all deaths in 2022 – i.e. about 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore is due to heart diseases or stroke.
How can I reduce my risk for heart disease?
Having a healthy diet is a key way of reducing the risk for heart disease. A healthy diet may help to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Tips for a heathy diet:
- Have a diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Reduce consumption of trans fats, and swap saturated fats for unsaturated ones.
- Consume lean sources of protein (e.g. chicken and fish), avoiding red meat which are high in fat and cholesterol.
- Take complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread, rice, and pasta. Reduce consumption of simple carbohydrates like sugar.
- Reduce consumption of sodium / salt.
Also, you should exercise regularly, and cut smoking to reduce heart disease risks.
What are the common screening tests for heart disease in Singapore?
The most common tests for heart disease screening in Singapore include:
- Chest X-Ray
- Blood Test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Exercise stress test
- Echocardiogram
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- CT Scan
Is heart failure the same as heart attack?
Heart failure and heart attack are not the same, though they are both forms of heart disease.
Heart attacks typically happen suddenly, when the flow of blood to the heart gets blocked. Deprivation of oxygen then causes heart muscles to die.
Heart failure is usually a gradual process whereby the heart muscle becomes unable to adequately pump blood for the body’s requirements.
Heart attacks can lead to heart failure.
Can children suffer from heart failure?
While heart failure is often caused by lifestyle habits, it can also affect children. Childhood heart failure is usually caused by congenital heart defects (i.e. heart defects present at birth). Certain medical conditions may also cause children to develop heart defects or cause damage to the child’s heart, resulting in heart failure.
Additional Resources
- Heart Health | Singapore Heart Foundation. Available from: https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/
- Get Assistance | Singapore Heart Foundation. Available from: https://www.myheart.org.sg/heart-support-fund/
- Heart Disease: Screening and Diagnostics | Gleneagles Hospital. Available from: https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/health-plus/article/heart-disease-screening-diagnostics
- What is Heart Failure? | American Heart Association. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure
- Diagnostic Tests | American Heart Association. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/diagnosing-heart-failure
- Heart Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Diagnosis | HealthXchange. Available from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/heart-lungs/heart-failure/heart-failure-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-diagnosis
- Chest Pain: When to Seek Help| HealthXchange. Available from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/heart-lungs/heart-disease/chest-pain-when-to-seek-help