About this article:
- This World Heart Day, take the opportunity to mind your heart health. Understand how heart disease occurs and warning signs to look out for
- Learn the importance of taking early action and lifestyle changes needed to prevent the progression of heart disease
- Find out about the various types of insurance, such as health and critical illness insurance that can cover medical expenses in case of a diagnosis.
We may not often think about our heart health while we’re young, but the risks and prevalence of heart disease are very real.
According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, one in three deaths in Singapore is caused by heart disease. World Heart Day, which falls on 29 September each year, presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on heart health and the steps needed to protect it.
The first step is understanding the risk factors and preventative measures, which can be the key to managing your heart health effectively.
Table of Contents
Understanding Heart Disease: Causes and Risk Factors
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, includes a variety of conditions that affect the heart. Among these are coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, where blood vessels get clogged with plaque.
We’ve all heard about how an unhealthy diet leading to high cholesterol and diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol, and high blood pressure can cause heart disease.
While you may be healthy now, the insidious thing about heart disease is that it is a silent killer that develops over time. Lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions play a significant role in contributing to heart disease. Over time, arteries can become clogged, reducing blood flow to the heart.
A lack of early prevention can lead to severe complications later in life.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
Treatment Options for Heart Disease
When it comes to treating heart disease, lifestyle changes are often the first line of defence. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can help prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
In some cases, medication, including statins to lower cholesterol, blood thinners to prevent clots, and beta-blockers to control blood pressure and heart rate, can help manage heart disease.
Surgical procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may become necessary for more advanced cases to restore proper blood flow and prevent further complications. Angioplasty involves using a balloon to open narrowed arteries, while stenting helps keep those arteries open. In more severe cases, bypass surgery is used to create a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries, improving circulation to the heart.
Additionally, new medical advancements continue to shape treatment options. Innovative therapies such as minimally invasive procedures and advanced cardiac imaging are helping to make heart disease management more effective and less invasive. These treatments, combined with early intervention, provide hope for a healthier future for those living with heart disease.
Why Early Action is Crucial
Taking early action is crucial for preventing and managing heart disease. Preventative measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, quitting smoking, reducing salt intake, and managing stress are essential in maintaining heart health. By building a heart-healthy routine that includes physical activity and balanced nutrition, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of developing heart disease and improve their overall well-being.
Regular check-ups and health screenings can help detect potential heart problems early, significantly reducing the risk of severe complications.
A basic health screening can check for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. The Ministry of Health encourages health screening once a year or every two to three years, depending on one’s age group. Check out the Screen for Life programme for subsidised health screening.
How Insurance Can Help You Manage Heart Disease
Health Insurance Coverage:
All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are provided with a basic health insurance plan through MediShield Life, covering hospital bills in Class B2/C wards in public hospitals. While MediShield Life does cover illness due to heart and other circulatory diseases, premiums will increase for 10 years following a procedure as it will be considered a pre-existing condition.
It is important to opt for an Integrated Shield Plan (IP) to complement your basic entitlement. This plan provides additional coverage for B1/A wards or private hospitals. As long as the IP was purchased before any issue was recognised as a pre-existing condition, it will cover certain pre- and post-hospitalisation treatments, though this varies depending on the plan.
Read how the flexibility of an IP helped 32-year-old Andre Hoeden when he woke up in the middle of the night with severe chest pains.
Critical Illness Insurance:
Long-term care insurance:
Get Protected Today
Heart disease is a serious health risk that affects millions of people. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by understanding the risk factors, recognising symptoms, and seeking timely treatment. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and securing the right insurance coverage can help you manage heart disease, providing peace of mind for the future. World Heart Day reminds us that the time to start caring for your heart is now.
Do you know what you are covered for? In emergencies, there’s often little time to think, let alone plan for hospitalisation. Review your coverage here to ensure you understand your benefits before you need them.
