Vascular And Heart Disease, Singapore - Learn About Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, And More.
Heart disease refers to a group of conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, heart valve disease and congenital heart disease. In Singapore, cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death, making early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors important.
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Find A Doctor
If you are looking for a doctor for treatment of heart disease and vascular conditions, here is our Preferred Doctors you can consider:
- Dr Pinakin V Parekh is a highly respected cardiologist in Singapore with over 25 years of clinical experience, specialising in the management of complex coronary artery disease and hypertension, including coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, and microvascular angina testing. His patient-centric approach and deep expertise in vascular health make him a trusted specialist for those seeking to diagnose and manage the underlying cardiovascular conditions. His authoritative background ensures that patients receive the highest standard of evidence-based care.
Dr Pinakin V Parekh shares his approach to diagnosing and managing common heart conditions, offering practical advice for patients to protect their heart health and reduce cardiovascular risk.
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MediSave & Subsidies for Heart Conditions
MediSave can be used for outpatient care, chronic disease management (such as Ischaemic Heart Disease or Hypertension), and preventive care at GPs, polyclinics, and Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs).
- MediSave500/700 Scheme Withdrawal Limits:
- Up to $500 / year: Non-complex chronic conditions.
- Up to $700 / year: Complex chronic conditions.
- Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP):
- Covers 23 approved conditions (including heart disease and related risk factors).
- Co-Payment: Standard 15% cash co-payment applies.
- Exception: The 15% cash co-payment is waived if you receive treatment at your enrolled Healthier SG clinic.
Related Guide: Read our breakdown on the Cost of Medical Treatment in Singapore to learn more about hospital fees, insurance claims, and subsidies.
Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies regarding outpatient treatments.
Screen & Protect Your Heart – Detect Risks Early
Heart conditions often develop silently without obvious warning signs. Whether you need a preventive screening or wish to consult a doctor regarding your cardiovascular risk, take a proactive step for your heart health today.
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FAQs
What are the statistics for heart disease in Singapore? How common is it?
According to statistics, cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) accounts for 30.5% of all deaths in Singapore in 2024—claiming approximately 22 lives every day. Specifically, Coronary Artery Disease (Ischaemic Heart Disease) remains one of the single largest contributors to national mortality, accounting for 19.6% of total deaths, with a higher overall incidence in men and individuals over the age of 45.
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 it normal that I notice irregular heartbeat readings sometimes when I take my blood pressure?
Occasional extra heartbeats may be detected by automated blood pressure machines as an irregular heartbeat. Other heart rhythm problems (e.g. atrial fibrillation) may result also in detection of irregular heartbeat.
You should consult your family doctor or a cardiologist for an assessment if you notice irregular heartbeat.
How will heart murmur affect my child as he / she grows up?
Causes of heart murmurs in a child include congenital heart defects such as a hole in the heart, or abnormalities of the valves. Treatment may be needed for these.
A more common cause is flow murmurs, which result from angulation of blood vessels. These are not a concern to the child’s health.
It is best to have your child’s murmur assessed by a paediatrician.
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
- Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons of Singapore | https://www.instagram.com/svessg/
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) | National heart Centre. Available from: https://www.nhcs.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/adult-congenital-heart-disease-achd
- Congenital heart defects in children | National heart Centre. Available from: https://www.nhcs.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/congenital-heart-defects-in-children
- Coronary Artery Disease | National heart Centre. Available from: https://www.nhcs.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/coronary-artery-disease
- 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