A Matter of the Heart: When to See a Cardiologist
- Oct 24, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 10
An Interview with: Dr Pinakin V Parekh | Founder and Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
General and Interventional Cardiologist and Medical Director for Trident Heart Centre specialising in Coronary Artery Disease Management, Coronary Angiogram and Angioplasty Procedures, Preventive and General Cardiology, and Women's Heart Health
Introduction
In a fast-paced city like Singapore, where long work hours and everyday stress have become the norm, heart health is often overlooked. Until something goes wrong. Yet, cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death among both men and women. Whether it’s climbing the stairs without losing breath, managing high cholesterol, or simply wanting to live longer for the people you love, caring for your heart should never be an afterthought. A healthy heart is not just about medical numbers; it’s about energy, balance, and the freedom to live life fully
Dr Pinakin V Parekh with patient at Trident Heart Centre
We interviewed the highly experienced Dr Pinakin Parekh of Trident Heart Center, where he emphasises on the importance of heart care and his passion for his patients.
What You Will Learn from This Article
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
You can also read the full transcript here:
A Patient-Centred Approach from the First Visit
Stepping into Trident Heart Centre, patients immediately sense a calm, welcoming environment, a deliberate design choice.
“My first brief to my team was to create a space which is comfortable, so when you come into the clinic... [it] is calm and relaxing, a quiet, peaceful environment.” says Dr Parekh.
During a consultation, Dr Parekh spends time listening carefully, reviewing medical history, and ensuring that patients fully understand their condition before recommending any tests. He explains each diagnostic step, from ECGs and treadmill tests to CT scans, with clarity and patience. Using visual aids, he helps patients grasp why certain tests are needed and what each result means for their heart health.
Treadmill and ECG testing site
Silent Signs of Your Heart Calling for Help
Heart disease can develop silently, often showing few or no obvious symptoms until it becomes serious. Dr Pinakin emphasises that recognising early warning signs can make all the difference.
Common reasons to see a cardiologist include:
Chest pain or pressure that feels tight, heavy, or radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw
Shortness of breath, especially during light activity or at rest
Palpitations or irregular heartbeats that cause discomfort or dizziness
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Swelling in the legs or ankles, which may suggest fluid retention
Unexplained fainting or near-fainting spells
Family history of heart disease, particularly if combined with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
Even without symptoms, regular check-ups are advised if you have risk factors such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or stress.
Understanding Women’s Heart Health
One of Dr Parekh’s key advocacies is increasing awareness of heart disease in women, an area often misunderstood or overlooked.
“[Women's] symptoms can be very vague... That's why it can be misdiagnosed or overlooked. They can be having a heart problem, but they describe in a noncreative manner and most of us might think it's something else, but actually they're hiding something inside.” he explains.
He also highlights the cardiovascular impact of menopause, a stage many women are unaware increases their heart risk. As people age, cholesterol and blood pressure can become more difficult to control. Dr Parekh encourages women in their 50s and beyond to schedule heart screenings, as the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women remains heart disease, not cancer.
A Calling Inspired by Compassion
For Dr Pinakin Parekh, cardiology is more than a profession; it is a lifelong calling shaped by personal experience and empathy. Coming from a family of doctors, he was introduced to the medical world early on. But it was his father’s heart surgery in his youth that truly inspired him to pursue medicine.
That early exposure not only revealed the profound human connection between doctor and patient, but also instilled in him a deep respect for trust, a cornerstone of his medical practice today. As he advanced in his career, the increasing prevalence of heart disease among family and friends reinforced his decision to specialise in cardiology, where he could make a tangible impact.
“What struck me in the medical profession is the ability to really make a difference to someone's life...You don’t make anyone richer, but you make them better and healthier.” he recalls.
Comprehensive Cardiac Care, Tailored to Every Heart
At Trident Heart Centre, Dr Parekh offers a complete range of cardiac diagnostic and interventional services. He likens the heart to a home, with walls, pipes, chambers, valves, and electrical wiring; all essential components that require careful monitoring.
To assess these, the clinic provides the following medical cardiology tests:
General Health and Heart Screening
A comprehensive assessment that evaluates your overall health and cardiovascular risk factors. It typically includes blood tests, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol profiling, and other baseline investigations to detect early signs of heart disease.
CT Calcium Score
A specialised CT scan that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The score helps estimate your risk of developing coronary artery disease before symptoms occur.
Electrocardiograms (ECG) and Treadmill
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart at rest to detect rhythm abnormalities or signs of strain. A treadmill stress test monitors your heart while you exercise to assess how it performs under physical stress.
CT Coronary Angiogram
A non-invasive CT scan that visualises the coronary arteries using contrast dye. It helps detect narrowing or blockages that may increase the risk of heart attack.
24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
A portable device measures your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours. It provides a more accurate picture of blood pressure patterns during daily activities and sleep.
Stress Nuclear Scan (Exercise or Pharmacological)
This imaging test assesses blood flow to the heart muscle during stress and at rest. It can identify areas with reduced circulation that may indicate blocked or narrowed arteries.
Prolonged Heart Rhythm Monitoring
Also known as Holter or event monitoring, this test continuously records heart rhythm over days or weeks. It helps detect intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear during a standard ECG.
Electrophysiological Studies (EPS)
An invasive procedure that evaluates the heart’s electrical system using specialised catheters. It helps diagnose complex rhythm disorders and guide treatment such as ablation.
Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT)
An ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the carotid artery walls in the neck. Increased thickness can indicate early atherosclerosis and elevated cardiovascular risk.
Diagnostic Coronary Angiogram (with physiology and imaging measurements)
An invasive procedure that uses contrast dye and x-ray imaging to visualise coronary arteries directly. Additional measurements assess the severity and functional impact of any narrowing.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) / Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A TTE uses ultrasound waves from the chest to assess heart structure and function. A TEE provides more detailed images by placing a probe in the oesophagus, particularly useful for evaluating valves and clots.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A detailed imaging scan that uses magnetic fields to assess heart structure, function, and tissue characteristics. It helps diagnose conditions such as cardiomyopathy, inflammation, or scarring.
Stress Echocardiogram (Exercise or Pharmacological)
An ultrasound scan performed before and after stress, either through exercise or medication. It evaluates how well the heart muscle pumps when working harder and detects areas with reduced blood supply.
Tilt Table Testing
A specialised test used to investigate unexplained fainting or dizziness. It monitors heart rate and blood pressure while the body position is gradually changed from lying to upright.
Each test or procedure is chosen based on individual needs, ensuring accuracy without unnecessary interventions. For patients with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney issues, Dr Parekh takes extra care in recommending the safest and most effective approach.
“Medicines don’t cure. They are a control.” he says.
FAQs
1. When should I see a cardiologist in Singapore?
You should see a cardiologist if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue. Even if you feel well, it’s wise to schedule a heart check if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Early assessment can help detect silent heart issues before they become serious.
2. What happens during a heart check-up?
A typical heart screening may include a physical examination, a discussion of your medical history, and diagnostic tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, treadmill stress test, or CT coronary angiogram. Your cardiologist will explain each test and its purpose, ensuring you understand your heart health and the next steps. With Dr. Pinakin at Trident Heart Centre, he will ensure that every patient is heard and is guided with utmost care and expertise.
3. What is the difference between a cardiologist and a general practitioner (GP)?
A GP can perform basic health screenings and identify potential heart risks, but a cardiologist specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing heart conditions. If your GP detects abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, or cholesterol concerns, they may refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation and specialised care.
4. How can I keep my heart healthy?
A heart-healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a balanced diet low in saturated fats, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Regular medical check-ups are also key, as many heart conditions develop silently without obvious symptoms.
5. How can I make an appointment with a cardiologist in Singapore?
Most cardiology clinics in Singapore offer multiple ways to book an appointment, you can call directly, send a WhatsApp message, or use an online booking form on the clinic’s website. Trident Heart Centre is one of Singapore's excellent cardiology clinics. Their information is listed below. If you’re unsure whether you need a referral, most private cardiologists accept both direct and referral-based consultations.
Connecting with Trident Heart Centre
Trident Heart Centre @ Gleneagles Hospital
#03-10 Gleneagles Medical Centre, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Trident Heart Centre @ Farrer Park Hospital
#15-16 Connexion, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
Website: https://tridentheart.sg/
WhatsApp: +65 89 533 533
Landline: +65 65 922 922
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 8:30pm - 12:30pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Disclaimer
This interview is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified specialist in Singapore for personalised care.
