World Heart Day – What is a heart attack and who’s at risk?

Today, we delve into one of the most vital organs in our body—the heart. As we approach World Heart Day on 29 September, let’s learn about matters of the heart, including heart attack, understand who’s susceptible, and explore available treatments.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, medically referred to as myocardial infarction, is a medical condition that can potentially be life-threatening. According to the National Heart Centre Singapore¹, it occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked in the coronary artery.

Think of it like a bustling city. It has its intricate network of roads and expressways, all essential to keep the city alive and thriving. In this analogy, the heart plays the role of the city’s bustling centre, its beating heart, the epicentre of life itself.

Just as those roads and expressways keep the city moving, our arteries supply the heart with the vital life force it needs – blood.

But here’s where the trouble starts. If there’s a traffic jam, the vehicles are stuck and the traffic flow is obstructed. In the same way, a heart attack occurs when these crucial pathways, like those roads, become clogged, hindering the bloodflow.

This blockage deprives the heart muscle of the oxygen and nutrients it relies on to function effectively, which results in permanent damage to the part of the heart muscle, or also commonly known as heart attack.

Is heart attack a common condition in Singapore? Who is at risk?

It is one of the more common conditions that affects Singaporeans. In fact, there were 12,403 heart attack cases in 2021. To put it into perspective, that’s an average of 34 cases a day².

Ischaemic heart diseases, which include heart attack and other diseases, is the third most common cause of death in 2022, accounting for 19.7% of all deaths in Singapore³.

Health conditions

Now, when it comes to who’s at risk, several factors come into play. Conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (high blood cholesterol), diabetes, obesity are the most common risk factors of a heart attack. This is why adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes managing some of these conditions, can help you reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Lifestyle and age

Notably, lifestyle and age also play a significant role, as data from the Singapore Myocardial Infarction Registry Annual Report 2021 revealed that more than two-fifths of those who had a heart attack were smokers and about 76% of all heart attack patients were aged 60 years or above in 2021. So, if you happen to be in the older age bracket, your risk of a heart attack is higher compared to those of younger age brackets.

Gender

Interestingly, the report also revealed a significant disparity between the genders – men are statistically twice as likely to get a heart attack as compared to women².

While these statistics are as such, there are ways to reduce your risk.  For example, you could start by eating your way to a healthier heart, or incorporating regular physical activities into your daily routine. Just as we follow our heart in life’s decisions and passions, let’s also follow through and do our best to care for it.

What is the survival rate after a heart attack?

Survival rate of heart attack

In 2021, the case fatality rate stood at 8.3%, which gives us insights into the number of deaths resulting from a heart attack within 30 days of the incident.

Those who undergo heart surgery after a heart attack have a very high chance of survival. According to 2022 data from National University Heart Centre Singapore, the actual survival rate after heart surgery is 98.1%⁴.

Can heart attack be treated?

Heart attack treatments

When it comes to a heart attack, time is of essence. So if you or someone around you experiences symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual sweating – basically, anything that makes you say “Hmm, this doesn’t feel right” – don’t hesitate. You should call 995 immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

The key lies in timely intervention and proper medical care. The sooner medical help is sought, the better the chances of a positive outcome. Treatment often involves blood-thinning medication, and coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft.

This video from the National Heart Centre Singapore sheds light on what happens when a heart attack occurs. The crux of treatment typically lies in opening up the blocked artery quickly and effectively minimise the extent of damage to the heart muscle.

Read also: What you can do to fight heart attack

What is the cost of heart-related medical procedures in Singapore?

Treatment costs for heart attack and other ishaemic heart diseases varies greatly depending on the specific heart condition and the type of healthcare facility. Knowing the costs can help you gain a better sense of the financial impact of a heart attack.

Research by ValueChampion revealed that heart attack treatment can cost⁵ from as low as S$1,293 on average in a public subsidised ward – if there are no complications. However, if a coronary angioplasty is required, the procedure can cost:

• S$6,308 as a subsidised patient in a public hospital
• S$17,258 as an unsubsidised patient in a public hospital
• S$40,201 as an unsubsidised patient in a private hospital

If a heart bypass surgery is required, it could set you back by over S$75,000⁶.  Any complications may also require further treatment.

Besides the cost of treatment, there are other costs that you will needs to factor in too, including consultation fees, administration fees, room charges, and of course, medication.

Read also: How much critical illness cover do I need?

Can you recover from a heart attack?

Recovery from a heart attack is based on the severity. You may undergo cardiac rehabilitation programme, diet modification or medication to help you slowly resume a normal lifestyle and reduce your risk of another heart attack.

In the unfortunate event of a heart attack, you will need to make sure you are financially protected as there are various costs that would be incurred for treatment and recovery.

Read also: How do you stay prepared if critical illness strikes more than once?

Safeguarding your financial health

Critical illness insurance enables you to focus on your recovery instead of bills, living expenses and other medical costs that come with a heart attack.

For example, FWD Heart Attack insurance offers lumpsum payout upon a heart attack of specified severity, to tide you through your recovery journey. Alternatively, if you would like a more comprehensive plan, FWD Big 3 Critical Illness insurance keeps you covered for heart attack, cancer and stroke – the three most common critical illness in Singapore⁷. Get your coverage with ease by answering a simple health declaration⁸.

By safeguarding your financial health alongside your physical well-being, you can face the future with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for life’s unexpected challenges. When it comes to matter of the heart, make the right choice for your health and financial security.