Staying Resilient in the Face of a Heart Crisis

In Sep 2022, Mr Krishnan Muthukumar felt pain in his upper chest and in both arms. He immediately contacted his cardiologist, who instructed him to be at the clinic early the next morning. What began as a routine check-up quickly escalated — an abnormal ECG and concerning test results led to an urgent angioplasty.

Following the procedure, Krishnan enrolled in a nine-week cardiac rehabilitation programme in the private sector. Upon completing the programme, Krishnan was strongly advised by his cardiologist to continue rehabilitation at the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) at Fortune Centre. Krishnan followed through — obtained the necessary referral and registered.

Initially, he attended structured exercise sessions twice weekly. As his condition improved, the frequency was reduced to once a week. The programme, led by qualified physiotherapists, was tailored to his individual capacity and needs. It was both accessible — thanks to heavy subsidies — and highly effective. But what made the most difference, in his view, was the human connection.

Physiotherapists Samantha and Zijing stood out for their attention to detail and care. They increased the intensity of his routines gradually; they monitored his progress closely and offered encouragement at every step. This combination of clinical expertise and personal engagement helped rebuild both his physical capacity and confidence.

Beyond the gym floor, HWC also addressed his nutrition needs. The Centre’s Senior Dietitian, Natalie, provided focused guidance on dietary adjustments and sustainable habits. Krishnan found her input essential to aligning his food intake with his recovery trajectory. These weren’t generic suggestions — they were practical, relevant and empathetic.

The environment at HWC has made a lasting impression. The staff treats every client as a person, not a file number. Receptionists remembered his name. Fellow participants exchange support and provide camaraderie. These simple interactions have created a sense of belonging — something Krishnan believes cannot be replaced by digital or remote rehabilitation alternatives. Real-time feedback, shared milestones and human conversations make each session something to look forward to.

There are measurable outcomes too. Krishnan’s resting heart rate has improved significantly. Using a wearable device during the exercise sessions, he is able to monitor his own data and stay motivated. Any absence from the programme is quickly reflected in his performance metrics, reinforcing the value of consistency.

To Krishnan, a resilient heart is not just a heart that recovers from trauma — it is a heart that adapts, with support. He credits the structure provided by HWC as a steadying force at a time of uncertainty and low morale. Committing to his health, even rescheduling work to attend the sessions, has helped him organise and focus on recovery.

As the Singapore Heart Foundation marks its 55th anniversary, Krishnan reflects with appreciation. He feels lucky to have had access to such comprehensive support and believes more cardiac patients should have the same opportunity. He notes that the staff may not always see the extent of their impact — but for someone navigating post-surgery recovery, their work is transformational. He wishes SHF continuing outreach and effectiveness in delivering care that restores both health and dignity.

To learn more about the Heart Wellness Programme, visit
https://www.myheart.org.sg/heart-wellness-programme