A Heart for the Masses

by Kaylene Lim

On the surface, one would assume that 34-year-old TikTok influencer Melvin Lee (@vinnography) is just a regular individual. He does stand-up paddling in his spare time and enjoys taking long jogs. That is why it would be a surprise to hear that he underwent heart surgery in the past.

During his job’s mandatory health screening in 2020, Melvin was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation. This condition causes blood in the heart to flow in two directions when the left ventricle contracts. As a result, blood flows back into the atrium, and the heart is unable to pump efficiently. Severe mitral regurgitation may eventually lead to heart failure.

“I hesitated to undergo surgery as I was afraid of the pain I might experience in the procedure,” Melvin said. “It took me two years before I decided to undergo the surgery head-on.”

Finally in February 2022, Melvin underwent an open heart surgery. The surgery went smoothly; it was a great relief as he continued his recovery journey.

After the surgery, Melvin believed that sharing his experience online would be beneficial to netizens; they would appreciate a local context on what the surgery is all about.

“Back then when I needed information, there were no active avenues on social media for me to find in Singapore,” he explained. “So I decided to set up a TikTok account to document my surgery journey.”

Through social media, Melvin met people across all walks of life, and secured innumerable perspectives. Melvin details his surgery, including the costs, pain levels and follow-up procedures, to his following of two thousand on TikTok. “I feel happy when I can help people clear their doubts and answer their questions,” he shared.

Giving Back to the Community

Melvin also contributes his time to organisations whose mission resonates with him; this includes the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF).

“As a heart patient, I know how people might feel when their loved ones are also suffering from heart conditions,” Melvin said. “That’s why I wanted to help other patients and cheer them on.”

Melvin is taking one step at a time to pay his kindness forward; he is passing his gratitude to those who need some form of comfort just like he did.

View our three-part series done with @vinnography below or visit our TikTok page for more videos.

@singaporeheartfoundation Meet our volunteer and open #heartsurgery survivor @Melvin! Follow us for part 2 ❤️💙 #tiktoksg #fypsg #hearthealth ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

@singaporeheartfoundation Proof that #cardiacrehab works. Our intern challenges #openheartsurgery survivor @Melvin to some #exercise challenges. Who will prevail? #hearthealth ♬ original sound – Singapore Heart Foundation

@singaporeheartfoundation Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Join open heart surgery survivor and our volunteer @vinnography in this simple breathing exercise to soothe your mind and heart 💚 #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthmatters #hearthealthy ♬ Ghibli system. A sad and beautiful ballad(87172) – 朝木春美千