Understanding Heart Concerns: When Heart Specialist Care Becomes Important
- Mar 2
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
An Interview with Dr Paul Lim | MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Cardiology)
Cardiologist in Singapore & Medical Director practising at The Heart Specialist Clinic
Introduction
In Singapore’s fast-paced environment, many individuals prioritise work, family, and daily responsibilities over their own health. However, cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death both locally and globally. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, and heart failure can develop gradually, and in some cases, may present with subtle or no symptoms in the early stages.
Heart health is not only about preventing acute emergencies. It also involves maintaining long-term wellbeing, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and recognising when medical evaluation may be appropriate. We spoke with Dr Paul Lim of The Heart Specialist Clinic to better understand the signs that may require cardiology assessment, address common misconceptions about heart disease, and explore the role of preventive heart care.
What You Will Learn from This Article
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
You can also read the full transcript here
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Singapore
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These include:
Coronary artery disease
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
Heart valve disease
Heart failure
Congenital heart conditions
In Singapore, lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, stress, dietary patterns, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension contribute significantly to heart disease risk.
While some individuals experience obvious warning signs, others may have minimal symptoms until a more serious event occurs. This highlights the importance of recognising early symptoms and managing risk factors appropriately.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
Many people are unsure whether their symptoms warrant specialist review. According to Dr Paul Lim, certain symptoms should not be ignored.
1. Chest Pain or Chest Discomfort
Chest pain may feel like pressure, tightness, heaviness, or burning. It may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back. While not all chest pain is cardiac-related, persistent or exertional chest discomfort should be medically assessed.
2. Shortness of Breath
Breathlessness during light activity, climbing stairs, or even at rest may indicate underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions. If it is new, worsening, or unexplained, evaluation is advisable.
3. Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat
A sensation of skipped beats, rapid heartbeat, or fluttering in the chest may suggest arrhythmias. Some rhythm disturbances are benign, while others require monitoring or treatment.
4. Dizziness or Fainting
Unexplained fainting or near-fainting episodes may be linked to abnormal heart rhythms or structural heart issues.
5. Swelling of the Legs or Ankles
Fluid retention in the lower limbs may be associated with heart failure or other systemic conditions.
6. Presence of Risk Factors Without Symptoms
Even without symptoms, individuals with the following may benefit from cardiac evaluation:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Family history of early heart disease
Smoking history
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Preventive cardiology aims to identify and manage these risks before complications develop.
The Role of Heart Screening
Heart screening is designed to assess cardiovascular risk and detect early signs of disease.
Depending on age, medical history, and risk profile, screening may include:
Blood pressure measurement
Cholesterol and glucose blood tests
Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)
Exercise stress testing (treadmill test)
Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
CT coronary calcium scoring (where appropriate)
Screening is not one-size-fits-all. The choice of investigations depends on individual clinical assessment rather than routine testing alone.
Services at The Heart Specialist Clinic
At The Heart Specialist Clinic, care includes cardiovascular risk assessment, diagnostic testing, and management of heart conditions, with services spanning advanced cardiac imaging, electrophysiology and pacing, interventional cardiology, and comprehensive cardiac care.
Conditions commonly assessed include
High blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. cholesterol and diabetes-related risk)
Chest pain or chest discomfort, and suspected coronary artery disease
Palpitations, fast or irregular heartbeats, and other heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
Shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, or unexplained giddiness/fainting spells
Heart valve disease and heart failure, where appropriate evaluation is needed
Screening and diagnostic services (as clinically indicated)
Heart risk assessment and physical examination
Blood tests (e.g. cholesterol and glucose markers)
Electrocardiogram (ECG) and rhythm monitoring, where appropriate
Echocardiography, including transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in selected situations
Stress echocardiography (stress testing combined with ultrasound imaging)
CT coronary angiogram and cardiac MRI as part of advanced cardiac imaging, when recommended by a cardiologist
Advanced and procedure-based care (when required)
Electrophysiology procedures for selected arrhythmias, including electrophysiology study, 3D mapping, and catheter ablation; and implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators when indicated
Interventional cardiology using catheter-based techniques, including coronary angioplasty and stenting for coronary artery disease in appropriate cases; and selected catheter-based approaches for valve disease as part of multidisciplinary care
For certain patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot tolerate blood-thinning medication, a catheter-delivered “plug-like” device may be considered to reduce clot formation risk (case selection is individualised).
By providing preventive screening, detailed diagnostics, and condition-specific management within one clinic setting, patients can undergo assessment and follow-up in a coordinated manner, based on clinical needs and individual risk profile.
Meet Dr Paul Lim
Dr Paul Lim is a Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist in Singapore and practises at The Heart Specialist Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.
His clinical work focuses on the assessment and management of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), including care that may involve electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, and cardiac implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators where clinically indicated. He completed advanced fellowship training in electrophysiology and device therapy at Barts Heart Centre (UK) and holds European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) certifications in invasive electrophysiology and cardiac pacing/ICDs.
Dr Lim is also involved in medical education and continues to hold an adjunct assistant professor appointment with Duke-NUS Medical School. During consultations, he reviews each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, and discusses appropriate investigations and management options based on clinical needs.
Frequency Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some early signs of heart problems that people in Singapore should not ignore?
Many heart conditions develop gradually and may not cause dramatic symptoms at the beginning. However, warning signs such as chest discomfort, breathlessness during mild activity, palpitations, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue should not be dismissed.
Some patients attribute these symptoms to stress, ageing, or lack of sleep. While that may sometimes be the case, it is important to consider whether an underlying cardiac condition may be present. Early evaluation allows us to assess cardiovascular risk and intervene before more serious complications occur.
When should someone see a cardiologist instead of a general practitioner?
General practitioners play an important role in managing common cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. However, referral to a cardiologist may be appropriate if symptoms persist, are unexplained, or if there is suspicion of structural heart disease or rhythm disturbances.
Patients with recurrent chest pain, documented arrhythmias, fainting episodes, or strong family history of early heart disease may benefit from specialist assessment. A cardiology consultation provides access to targeted investigations and a more detailed evaluation of heart structure and rhythm.
Many people are afraid of heart screening. Is it necessary for everyone?
Heart screening is not one-size-fits-all. The type of screening depends on age, medical history, and individual risk factors. For some individuals, basic assessments such as blood pressure measurement and cholesterol testing may be sufficient.
For others with higher risk profiles, additional tests such as stress testing or cardiac imaging may be considered. The goal of screening is not to over-test, but to identify risk early and manage it appropriately. Preventive cardiology focuses on long-term heart health rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
Your practice focuses on heart rhythm disorders. What are arrhythmias and how are they treated?
Arrhythmias refer to abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system that cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some rhythm disturbances are benign and require monitoring, while others may increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Treatment depends on the specific condition and severity. Options may include medication, catheter ablation procedures, or implantable devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators when clinically indicated. Management is individualised, and we discuss the risks and benefits of each option carefully with patients.
What is your approach to patient care at The Heart Specialist Clinic?
My approach is centred on careful assessment, clear communication, and tailored management. Each patient presents with a unique combination of symptoms, risk factors, and concerns.
During consultations, I aim to explain findings in a clear and structured manner so patients understand their condition and available options. Whether the focus is preventive care, rhythm management, or interventional treatment, the objective is to provide coordinated cardiovascular care that supports both immediate concerns and long-term heart health.
Clinic Overview
The Heart Specialist Clinic
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-10
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Phone: +65 6235 8733
Website: www.theheartspecialistclinic.com
Operating Hours
Monday to Wednesday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Thursday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday 8.00am – 1.00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
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.
Singapore 228510
