Heart attacks are a growing health concern in Singapore, affecting thousands each year. The Singapore Heart Foundation reported that this cardiovascular disease is the cause of 30.5% of deaths in 2024, meaning 1 out of 3 Singaporeans died because of heart attack or stroke. Often triggered by a heart artery blockage, a heart attack can cause severe, even fatal damage if not treated promptly. Recognising the early warning signs can drastically improve survival rates.
This article offers essential tips from Dr. Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic, a trusted heart specialist in Singapore, on what to do during a heart attack, how blocked arteries affect heart health, and key steps for prevention. Whether you’re at risk or caring for a loved one, this guide empowers you with life-saving knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Early signs of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the jaw, arm, or back. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking urgent care can significantly improve survival outcomes in heart attack cases in Singapore.
- Heart attacks are most often caused by heart artery blockage due to plaque buildup. Blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, causing irreversible damage if not treated quickly.
- Regular heart checkups at a Singapore heart clinic can help detect risks early. Tests like ECGs and CT angiograms can identify artery blockages before symptoms appear, helping to prevent future heart attacks.
What Happens During a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly restricted due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This occurs due to a heart artery blockage, typically caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, resulting in the cutting off of oxygen to the heart muscle. Without oxygen-rich blood, part of the heart muscle dies, leading to severe complications or cardiac arrest if not treated urgently.
How Heart Artery Blockage Disrupts Blood Flow
Over time, fatty deposits (plaque) can line the artery walls. When a plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot that blocks the artery. This blockage:
- Stops oxygenated blood from reaching parts of the heart
- Prevents the heart from pumping efficiently
- Causes chest pain, shortness of breath, or cold sweats
Why Timely Action Matters
If a heart attack isn’t treated quickly:
- The heart muscle begins to die within minutes
- Permanent damage can occur within 1 to 2 hours.
- Delays increase the risk of heart failure or sudden death
In cases of a heart attack in Singapore, immediate medical attention is critical. At Dr. Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic, we urge patients to act fast at the first sign of symptoms. Understanding how heart artery blockage triggers a heart attack can help save lives.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
What Are the Early Signs of a Heart Attack?
Recognising the early warning signs of a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. The most common symptom is chest pain or pressure, often described as a squeezing, heavy, or burning sensation in the centre of the chest. This discomfort may last for several minutes or come and go.
Other Key Symptoms to Watch For:
- Shortness of breath, even at rest
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or left arm.
- Cold sweat, often sudden and unexplained
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly in women
Gender Differences in Heart Attack Symptoms
While both genders are vulnerable to heart artery blockage and heart attacks, the symptoms can vary significantly, often leading to delayed treatment, especially in women.
Women are more likely to experience atypical or subtle symptoms that are mistaken for less severe conditions, such as acid reflux, anxiety, or the flu. These non-classic signs can delay emergency care and increase the risk of complications.
Below is a comparison table for easier understanding:
Symptom | Men | Women |
Chest pain or pressure | Common, intense, central chest pressure | Common, but may be milder or absent |
Pain in arms (usually left) | Frequent and noticeable | May radiate to arms, but less predictably |
Shortness of breath | Common during exertion or rest | Also common, sometimes the main symptom |
Jaw, neck, or back pain | Less frequent | More common in women |
Cold sweat | Common | Common |
Nausea or vomiting | Less frequent | More frequent; often misattributed to GI issues |
Fatigue | Occasional | Very common; may occur days before attack |
Dizziness or light-headedness | Possible | Common, sometimes the first noticeable sign |
Indigestion or heartburn | Less typical | Often reported and easily misinterpreted |
These gender-based differences highlight the need for increased awareness, especially among women, who may ignore early signs or delay seeking help.
When to Act
If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, don’t wait. Call 995 immediately and seek care at a trusted heart clinic in Singapore, such as Dr. Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic. Timely treatment can reduce damage and increase survival. Always treat warning signs seriously.
Immediate Steps to Take
Call Emergency Services
Dial 995 (or your local emergency number) at the first sign or symptom of a heart attack. Do not attempt to drive to the hospital, as heart attack patients may lose consciousness en route. Prompt on-site medical attention from emergency medical services may help support blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of further damage.
Help the Person Stay Calm and Still
Encourage the person to sit down and remain as still as possible, preferably in a semi-reclined position. This reduces strain on the heart and slows the progression of damage to the heart muscle.
Give Aspirin (If Safe to Do So)
Aspirin may help prevent further clot formation, but should only be taken if advised by a doctor or emergency personnel. If the person is conscious, not allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs, and has no history of stomach ulcers, offer a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew on while waiting for medical help.
The key instruction is to have them chew the tablet slowly, rather than swallowing it whole. Chewing allows the medication to be absorbed much more quickly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth, helping to inhibit the clot’s growth faster.
However, this step is only safe if certain conditions are met. Do NOT give aspirin if the person:
⦁ Is unconscious.
⦁ Has a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen).
⦁ Has been specifically advised by their doctor not to take it.
⦁ Has a history of bleeding disorders or is experiencing active bleeding (e.g., from a stomach ulcer).
Always prioritise calling 995. If you are unsure whether giving aspirin is safe, follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Administer Prescribed Medication
If the individual has been prescribed nitroglycerin, assist them in taking it as directed. This medication helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving chest pain.
If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
Start CPR Immediately
If the person collapses and is not breathing normally, perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately:
- Lay them flat on a hard surface.
- Place your hands in the centre of their chest, one on top of the other.
- Push down firmly at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute (follow the rhythm of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees).
- Continue CPR until emergency medical personnel take over.
Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
AEDs, available in many public spaces like shopping malls and transport hubs, can help restore a normal heart rhythm. If one is accessible, follow the automated voice instructions carefully to deliver a controlled shock if needed.
Preventing a Heart Attack
Lifestyle Changes for Better Heart Health
Preventing a heart attack requires proactive steps to improve heart health and reduce the risk of another heart attack. Here are some key habits to adopt:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing LDL cholesterol, salt, and unhealthy fats, eg trans-fat, processed foods.
- Exercise regularly – 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week to maintain cardiovascular health.
- Quit smoking – tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Limit alcohol intake – excessive alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and cardiac stress.
- Manage stress – practice meditation, prayer, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce heart stress.
Regular Health Screenings
Routine check-ups help detect heart disease and stroke risk factors early. It is essential to monitor:
- Blood pressure – hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart attacks.
- Cholesterol levels – high LDL cholesterol increases plaque buildup in arteries.
- Blood sugar levels – individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Receive Heart Care at Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic
Recognising the symptoms of a heart attack and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death. First responder assistance- Calling for medical help, administering first aid, and performing CPR promptly- can improve the chances of survival.
At Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic, we provide treatment and care for individuals at risk of heart disease and those recovering from a heart attack. Our team specialises in personalised treatment plans, comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, and preventive care to help reduce the risk of another heart attack and improve heart health.
By staying informed and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from cardiovascular disease. Take action today to support better heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I think I’m having a heart attack?
If you think you’re having a heart attack, stop all activity and call 995 immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself. If advised and not allergic, chew an aspirin. Prompt medical help is critical to limit damage caused by heart artery blockage.
How do I know if chest pain is serious?
Chest pain may be serious if it feels like pressure, squeezing, or burning in the centre of your chest and lasts more than a few minutes. If it’s accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the jaw or arm, seek emergency care; it could be a heart attack.
Is a heart attack always caused by artery blockage?
Most heart attacks are caused by artery blockage due to plaque buildup and clot formation in the coronary arteries. However, in rare cases, spasms or dissections in the artery can also restrict blood flow and lead to a heart attack.
Where can I get a heart check-up in Singapore?
You can get a comprehensive heart check-up at trusted heart clinics in Singapore, such as Dr. Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic. Services include ECGs, stress tests, and imaging to detect early signs of heart artery blockage and prevent heart attacks.
What tests diagnose heart artery blockage?
Tests to diagnose heart artery blockage include electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, coronary CT angiograms, and cardiac catheterization. These tests help detect reduced blood flow and identify areas of blockage, guiding timely treatment to prevent heart attacks in Singapore.