Heart Attack Survivor Completes 300km Cycling Race in 30 Days

By GILLIAN LIM, Photos MR SHAIFUL IRWAN, GILLIAN LIM

At a glance, one would not be able to tell that Mr Shaiful Irwan, 43, has survived a heart attack as he manoeuvres easily across the football field. The sports enthusiast, who treks and cycles regularly, also completed a 300km cycling race in Feb/Mar last year. These activities are but just a glimpse into his heyday before the heart attack.

Wake-up call

Three months into Circuit Breaker (CB) on 26 June 2020, as Mr Irwan went about his daily routine, he felt uneasy, broke a cold sweat and sensed some tightness in his chest. Having been previously diagnosed with hypertension, he took his blood pressure immediately, and the reading signalled that he needed to be admitted to the hospital immediately.

This was a wake-up call for Mr Irwan. Though he was physically active before Circuit Breaker kicked in, going for weekly football, floorball, Bootcamp sessions and other group sports when time permitted, they were not enough to sustain his heart health.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were all restricted to homestay and minimal activities such as grocery shopping. My daily activities only consisted of housework and work-from-home.

“I believe that the three months of sedentary lifestyle during Circuit Breaker could have triggered the (heart) attack as I did not get much opportunity to exercise and had indulged in rich food (mostly Padang and Western food),” he said.

The Recovery

At the hospital, he underwent balloon angioplasty and stent procedure. Following his discharge, he was worried about his health and ability to play sports like before.

Cardiac rehabilitation – first at his hospital, then at Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Centre – and his encouraging friends helped build his confidence and fitness level to enjoy sports safely again.

“Slowly, I regained my fitness and stamina for progressive long-distance cycling, e.g., 50 km to 70 km and so forth. After months of training, my close friend Mr Dzulhilmi encouraged me to participate in Ace Races UK’s 300km in 30 Days which I completed in Feb/Mar this year (2021).

“While training for the challenge, I made sure to take my medication, get sufficient sleep, water, and monitored my heart rate during these cycling sessions. In addition, as I participate in group cycling, my friends are aware of my condition and Mr Dzulhilmi cycles by my side when he notices that I am slowing down,” he said.

To keep healthy and continue engaging in his favourite sporting activities, Mr Irwan shared that he is now more mindful of his diet. He ensures he has balanced meals in the day and cut out the late-night suppers.

He maintains fortnightly cardiac rehab sessions at SHF and finds them beneficial as it is an opportunity to “check-in with the physiotherapist on my progress”. He is also thankful for his group of friends who have boosted his morale and constantly encouraged him.

“I feel the key factors that aided me on my road to recovery are a supportive social circle, positive mindset and seeking professional advice,” he shared.

Unsure if you should exercise after a cardiac event? Our Assistant Principal Physiotherapist puts your worries to rest.