Guide To Heart Failure In Singapore

Heart failure is a serious medical condition that affects thousands of people in Singapore each year. Despite its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has completely stopped working. Instead, it refers to a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.

This condition can develop gradually over time due to underlying health issues such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or previous heart attacks. Without proper treatment, heart failure can severely impact your quality of life and even become life-threatening.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about heart failure in Singapore, including statistics, causes, symptoms, treatment options, costs, and more.

Two Main Types Of Heart Failure

There are two main types of heart failure:

• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): HFrEF (systolic heart failure) occurs when the left ventricle does not contract effectively. Compared to a heart with normal functioning, less blood is pumped out to the body. 
• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): HFpEF (diastolic heart failure) happens when the left ventricle of the heart is unable to relax sufficiently to fill with sufficient blood. This results in ineffective pumping of blood around the body.

Heart Failure Singapore Statistics

According to the Ministry of Health and the Singapore Heart Foundation, about 23 people die from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) every day in Singapore. Cardiovascular disease accounted for 30.9% of all deaths in 2023. This means that almost 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore is due to heart diseases or stroke. Specifically for Coronary Artery Disease, the percentage of deaths attributable to it in Singapore in 2023 is 19.7%. More men than women die from Coronary Artery Disease.

Specifically for heart failure, it is estimated that Singapore has about 50,000 people living with heart failure. According to SingHealth, the prevalence in Singapore is 4-5%, which is substantially higher than the average for the rest of the world (1-2%). In addition, a study shows that Asian patients hospitalised for heart failure are relatively younger compared to western cohorts, have more severe symptoms, stayed longer in hospital, and had a higher mortality rate. Heart failure can happen at any age, but it is more common in elderly patients. The onset of heart failure in Singapore occurs at a younger age, at 50 years old on average, as compared to 60 years old in populations in the West. 

These statistics highlight the importance of early detection, lifestyle management, and appropriate treatment to improve outcomes for heart disease in Singapore.

Causes Of Heart Failure & Risk Factors

Heart failure usually develops as a result of other conditions that damage or weaken the heart. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help with early prevention and management.

Common Causes Of Heart Failure:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common cause, where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Increases the heart’s workload, causing it to weaken over time.
• Previous Heart Attacks: Damage to heart muscles can reduce the heart’s pumping efficiency.
• Diabetes: Increases the risk of heart disease and contributes to heart failure.
• Heart Infections (Myocarditis): Can damage the heart muscle.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Structural issues present at birth may lead to heart failure later in life.

Risk Factors:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Unhealthy Diet (high in salt and fats)
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Aging
• Family History of Heart Disease

Reducing these risk factors can significantly lower your chances of developing heart failure.

Symptoms Of Heart Failure

Heart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time. Early detection can lead to better outcomes.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity or when lying down)
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite and nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they worsen rapidly, seek medical attention immediately.

Screening And Prevention Of Heart Failure

Early screening and preventive measures are key to reducing the risk of heart failure. Screening is especially important if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Heart Failure Screening Tests:

• Blood tests: These check for increases in levels of certain molecules which may indicate heart failure.
• Chest X-ray: Chest X-rays can show if the heart is enlarged or if there is fluid in the lungs. They can also show abnormalities in the heart valve or other structures.
• Electrocardiogram: Measures the heart’s electrical activity. This give information on the heart rhythm and evidence of previous heart attack.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that assesses heart structure and function.
• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR): A cardiac MRI uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to image the heart and arteries. It is usually used for cases of advanced or complex heart conditions. 
• Cardiac catheterisation: Cardiac catheterisation is performed using small tubes that are inserted into the heart arteries. Dye is injected through these tubes which allows the doctor to study the arteries for blockages with X-rays. 
• Exercise stress test: This test evaluates how the heart performs under physical stress. This is performed to look for coronary artery disease. 

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet (low in sodium, high in fruits and vegetables).
• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly).
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Manage stress effectively.
• Control chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Heart Failure Treatments In Singapore

Heart failure treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are often tailored to each patient’s condition and may include:

Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors & ARBs: Lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
• Beta-blockers: Help control heart rate and improve heart function.
• Diuretics (Water Pills): Reduce fluid buildup.
• Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots if there’s a risk of arrhythmias.

Medical Procedures:

• Implantable Devices: Pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate heart rhythms.
• Coronary Bypass Surgery or Angioplasty: To restore blood flow in blocked arteries.
• Heart Transplant: For severe cases where other treatments have failed.

Early treatment can significantly improve outcomes, so don’t delay seeking medical advice.

Cost of Heart Failure Treatments And Screenings In Singapore

The cost of heart failure treatment in Singapore can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment required, and whether you’re treated in a public or private hospital.

Cost Of Screening And Treatment

The cost of screening and treatment for Coronary Artery Disease in Singapore varies depending on the type of tests and procedures required. Here is a general breakdown:

• Electrocardiogram: Approximately S$100 – S$200.
• Stress Test: Approximately S$300 – S$500.
• Echocardiogram: Approximately S$500 – S$1,000.
• Cardiac MRI: Approximately S$2,000 – S$3,000.
• Blood Tests: Costs vary depending on the type and number of tests.
• Medications: Costs vary depending on the type and duration of the medication.
• Angioplasty And Stenting: Approximately S$40,000 – S$60,000.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Approximately S$30,000 – S$50,000.

It’s important to check with specific healthcare providers for detailed cost information and to see if any insurance coverage or payment plans are available.

Heart Failure Survival Rate in Singapore

With advances in medical care, the survival rate for heart failure has improved, but it still depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, age, and response to treatment. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates for Singapore patients are around 78% and 68% respectively.

Early detection, lifestyle changes, and adherence to treatment plans can significantly improve survival rates.

Contact Us for an Appointment

Concerned about heart failure symptoms or at risk of heart disease? Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Early intervention can save lives.

Book a consultation with a cardiologist in Singapore specialising in heart failure diagnosis and management.

• Comprehensive heart health assessments
• Advanced diagnostic tools for early detection
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs

FAQs About Heart Failure in Singapore

Q1: Can heart failure be cured?
A: Heart failure is usually a chronic condition, but it can be managed effectively with medications, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures to improve quality of life.

Q2: How do I know if I have heart failure?
A: Symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling are common. If you experience these symptoms, consult a cardiologist for screening tests like an echocardiogram.

Q3: Is heart failure the same as a heart attack?
A: No. A heart attack occurs suddenly when blood flow to the heart is blocked, while heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart can’t pump efficiently over time. However, a heart attack can lead to heart failure.