Camaraderie and Courage for Healing the Heart

By SAMANTHA CHAN; Photos by GILLIAN LIM

Meet Mdm Ng, a heart attack survivor whose recovery resembled a roller coaster ride. Initially dismissing chest discomfort as a panic attack or muscle pull, she visited the doctor three times before finally being diagnosed with a heart attack. Post stent operation, Mdm Ng found herself grappling with a newfound sensitivity to her heart, and she struggled to adapt mentally.

Referred by a compassionate physiotherapist, she found solace in Natalie, Singapore Heart Foundation’s (SHF) dedicated dietitian. Natalie not only steered her towards a balanced, heart-healthy diet, but also provided the reassurance Mdm Ng needed, and the ticket to join the Heart Wellness Centre (HWC).

The SHF’s Heart Wellness Centre, a community-based cardiac rehabilitation centre, became Mdm Ng’s sanctuary. Sociable physiotherapists tailored exercises to meet her needs and alleviate pain, making it possible for her to exercise both at the centre and at home. The camaraderie with fellow heart patients at the centre also created a powerful support group, dismantling the isolation Mdm Ng initially felt. Some shared their experience of having multiple stents or how they adapted to their new way of life; they reinforce the fact that she wasn’t alone in her recovery journey.

Take proactive steps like Mdm Ng to protect your heart. Educate yourself to identify the subtle symptoms of heart attack. Watch your diet, exercise regularly and prioritise your health checks, especially if you have a family history of chronic diseases. Your heart deserves your undying attention!