Cardiology
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiology services are provided in the Specialist Outpatient Clinic, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and as an inpatient service. A full spectrum of care is provided to cardiac patients as well as healthy individuals who wish to reduce their future risk of cardiovascular disease. Our patients may be referred from the polyclinics or from private practitioners.
If you are not exercising because of a recent heart attack, cardiac rehabilitation can help to set your mind at ease. In Singapore, heart attack ranks as the second leading cause of death after cancer. Common causes of heart attack include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking. Patients who have had a heart attack are at higher risk of another one, but these tips can help to reduce its incidence: • Take your medications regularly • Join a cardiac rehabilitation programme • Adopt a healthy lifestyle
What is cardiac rehabilitation? Cardiac rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive and customised programme designed to help people with heart-related conditions optimise their physical, mental and social functions.
How can it help me? • Reduce death rates by 20 - 30% • Fewer occurrences of chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue • Improved exercise outcomes • Better cholesterol and blood pressure readings • Improved health-related quality of life • Better chances of returning to work
Who is eligible for cardiac rehabilitation? You are eligible if you: • Had a heart attack recently • Had a “stent implant” in the blood vessels of your heart • Had a bypass surgery • Have a history of heart failure
Who will care for me? A multi-disciplinary team comprising the following staff will care for you: • Cardiologist • Dietitian • Occupational Therapist • Physiotherapist • Smoking Cessation Pharmacist
Frequently asked questions I am now afraid to exercise after a heart attack. Cardiac rehabilitation helps you to exercise in a safe environment under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Your symptoms, heartbeat and blood pressure will be monitored to help you feel stronger, fitter and less afraid to return to normal activities. I am often tired after a heart attack and find it difficult to perform simple tasks. It is normal to feel more tired than usual after a heart attack. Consult your occupational therapist on how you can conserve energy. He/she will be able to advise you on simple lifestyle modifications that help you return to daily activities with ease. How often must I attend these exercises? You will need to attend the exercise sessions at least two to three times a week, for eight weeks. Experienced physiotherapists will guide you in these exercises. Can I exercise at the gym on my own? Yes, you may but please inform your physiotherapist. Will I lose weight from these exercises? Yes, but weight loss depends on many factors and includes diet modification, regular exercise, self-motivation and long-term commitment. What sort of dietary restriction is required? A low fat and low salt diet is recommended. People with diabetes will be advised to go on diets that control their blood sugar intake. A calorie-restricted diet benefits those who need to lose weight.
How can I control my cholesterol level? A diet low in saturated ('bad') fat, moderate in poly and mono-unsaturated ('good') fats and oils, and high in fibre can improve blood cholesterol levels. Limit your intake of sugar and alcohol and increase your physical activity to improve overall cholesterol level. How should I control my blood sugar level? Eat regular meals and control your carbohydrate intake (e.g. rice, bread, fruits, starchy vegetables, dairy products). Limit your consumption of food and drinks high in sugar content, such as cakes, sweet desserts and sweetened drinks. Eat more fibre. This will help to improve your blood sugar levels. Speak to a dietitian who can help you to customise a meal plan.
How does smoking harm my heart? Smoking raises your risk of heart disease and increases blood pressure. It also lowers stamina and affects your ability to exercise. When you smoke, the blood in your body clots more easily and lowers the good cholesterol (HDL) produced by the body. When this happens, fatty deposits build up in the arteries to narrow blood vessels. This restricts oxygen and blood flow to the heart and the rest of your body. The risk is even higher if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or are obese. How can I stop smoking? • Speak to a trained Smoking Cessation Pharmacist for advice • Go cold turkey and quit immediately • Gradually reduce the number of sticks a day, e.g. cut down by 2-3 sticks a month. Reward yourself whenever you meet a target and strive for the next one. • Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy products such as nicotine lozenges, gums and patches to control/reduce your urge to smoke. They can help you to manage withdrawal symptoms. How can a Cardiac Rehabilitation Pharmacist help me quit smoking? Speak to any of our trained Smoking Cessation Pharmacists for advice on quitting. They can share with you suitable techniques to kick the habit and advise you on ways to cope with withdrawal. Is Cardiac Rehabilitation safe? Yes, its benefits outweigh any risks of inactivity and the risk of death is very rare.
For more information Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital 1 Jurong East St 21, Singapore 609606 General enquiries: 6716 2000 Fax: 6716 5500 www.juronghealth.com.sg Clinical and appointment line hours (closed on Sundays and public holidays) For appointments, please call 6716 2222 Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.00am - 12.30pm For dental appointments, please call 6716 2233 Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm
By train Jurong East MRT Station By bus From Jurong East Bus Interchange SBS 51, 52, 66, 78, 79, 97, 97e, 98, 98M, 105, 143, 143M, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506 Along Boon Lay Way SBS 99, Private bus service 625 Disclaimer: The information in this brochure is meant for educational purposes and should not be used as substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please seek your doctor’s advice before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical condition.
Copyright Š JurongHealth B E 034-14 September 2014 Updated June 2015
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