Recovering from COVID-19 as A Heart Patient

It was the third day of the Lunar New Year when heart patient Mr Lai Kok Wah felt fatigued, had an itchy throat and developed a slight headache. He cancelled his initial plans to visit a friend’s home and immediately took an ART test to alleviate his suspicion. The test returned positive. He was also confirmed to be COVID positive after a trip to the polyclinic for a PCR test.

Despite having a heart condition and testing positive for COVID-19, 59-year-old Mr Lai felt assured as his symptoms were mild and he was familiar with the protocols.

“The risk may be higher for heart patients, but my symptoms were mild and did not have to be hospitalised. I had a cough and a runny nose, but I took my medication,” he said. “The booster shot I took (last October) may have helped reduce my symptoms.”

He fully recovered in just two weeks and was up and about his usual routine in the third week, including attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions at the Singapore Heart Foundation Heart Wellness Centre and resuming some of his regular exercises at a lower intensity.

Having lived with the pandemic for two years, Mr Lai shared that he is not as worried now as before but is also cautious about keeping his heart in check. “I go for checkups regularly (for my heart conditions), take my medication and exercise – there’s no need to fear.”

Improved quality of life with assistance from Heart Support Fund
Mr Lai’s heart condition started in 2005 when he was just 43 years old. One day, he experienced chest pain and a cramp on the side of the heart. An electrocardiogram at the polyclinic detected abnormalities and Mr Lai Kok Wah was quickly referred to the National Heart Centre Singapore, where two blocked arteries were found and he had to undergo balloon angioplasty.

In 2018, he was found to have another two blocked arteries and had to undergo another stenting procedure.

“Money was my greatest concern as I was an odd job worker with intermittent work. I brought up my concern to my doctor, who later referred me to a medical social worker to help (sort out my financial support),” said Mr Lai.

Being a heavy smoker since his teenage years, Mr Lai also later developed high cholesterol
and high blood pressure – a high-risk profile for cardiovascular disease. Besides these chronic illnesses, he also faced a skeletal problem in his spine, which affected his ability
to work. For these conditions, Mr Lai, who earns about $1,000 a month, has to spend close to $700 monthly on medical expenses, which he manages with his MediFund, MediSave and MediShield.

In October 2021, he was referred to the Singapore Heart Foundation after his doctor discovered that his high blood pressure was affecting his eyesight and needed close
monitoring.

With the help of the Heart Support Fund, Mr Lai received a blood pressure monitor
and fully-subsidised cardiac rehabilitation sessions at the Heart Wellness Centre, which
helped with managing his blood pressure, protecting his heart, and relaxing the tension
in his muscles. Today, Mr Lai continues to care for his body and heart through weekly
exercise sessions at the Heart Wellness Centre @ Fortune.

“I think it (cardiac rehabilitation) has helped me. I’ve learned much here, such as relaxing
my muscles (through exercise). My friends say that I walk faster these days, and I believe it
could be because of the exercise.

“The nutrition counselling has also helped me – the dietitian tells me what foods to eat
and avoid,” he said.

Clinical research has shown that regular participation in cardiac rehabilitation not only reduces cardiac-related death by over 50% and rehospitalisation (for all causes) by 25% but also improves chronic disease control and well-being. Fully-subsidised cardiac rehab sessions for Mr Lai also meant that he does not have to worry about the fees while enjoying the health benefits that cardiac rehab accords him.

“I feel very fresh every time after my exercise session, like my batteries are recharged,” he
quipped.

“If it was not for the help I received through the Heart Support Fund, I would not have been able to move closer to recovery. Thank you very much to the donors.”