Speech by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Health, at the Singapore Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation Symposium 2015, 24 Oct 2015

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr Raymond Wong,

Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr Peter Ting,

Scientific Chairman of the Scientific Committee, Adjunct Assistant Professor Tan Swee Yaw,

Chairman Emeritus of the Singapore Heart Foundation, Dr Low Lip Ping,

Chairman of the Singapore Heart Foundation, Professor Terrance Chua,

Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Heart Foundation, Professor Tan Huay Cheem, 

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning everyone. Thank you for inviting me to this inaugural Singapore Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation Symposium. I am happy to be here today, speaking to many outstanding physicians and healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to the cause of cardiac prevention and rehabilitation.

IMPORTANCE OF CARDIAC PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION

2.    Ischaemic heart disease contributes 10% of the total disease burden, and causes 1 in 6 deaths in Singapore.[1] While we have developed excellent hospital-based services such as coronary care units and cardiac surgery to treat patients with heart disease, there is increasing recognition that cardiac rehabilitation plays an important role in the holistic management of heart patients.

3.    Evidence from the United States of America indicates that cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality rates by 20 to 30%.[2] By stabilising, delaying and even reversing disease progression, patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation programmes have reported decreased symptoms, increased physical ability, and an improved quality of life.

4.    I am pleased to know that the Singapore Heart Foundation has stepped up its efforts to provide cardiac rehabilitation in a community setting at their Heart Wellness Centres in Bishan and Middle Road. Its Heart Wellness Programme complements hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation services that are run by the National Heart Centre and the National University Heart Centre. These initiatives have benefitted the patients and their families.

5.    One example is Mr Tan Ah Chor, aged 67 years. Five years ago, Mr Tan had a stent implanted in his left heart vessel. On the recommendation of his doctors, he attended the cardiac rehabilitation programme. The care team chartered a personalised management plan, which includes an exercise regime based on his fitness level. Today, Mr Tan is a regular at the Heart Wellness Centre. Besides keeping his heart healthy, Mr Tan has made many friends with other participants at the centre.

6.    Another patient who has benefitted from the programme is Mr Edward Lee, aged 57 years. Cardiac rehabilitation has helped him to lose weight gradually, as well as reduce the dosage of his diabetes medication. He is able to engage more fully in leisure activities, such as nutrition and cooking workshops, in addition to regular physical activity. To quote Mr Lee, “These good results obtained from my weight loss through the Heart Wellness Programme, has given me the opportunity to share my testimony and experience with affiliated partners and schools to raise awareness of this programme.”  I am heartened by Mr Tan’s and Mr Lee’s progress, and would like to wish them continued good health and happiness.

7.    Cardiac rehabilitation has also benefitted other patients. An evaluation of 207 individuals, who completed a one-year course of the Heart Wellness Programme, showed that they had an overall reduction in cholesterol levels and body fat percentage, as well as increased exercise tolerance and stamina.[3] I hope more patients will consider participating in cardiac rehabilitation programmes, when recommended by their doctors.

CONCLUSION

8.    Let me conclude by congratulating the organising committee, the Singapore Heart Foundation, the National Heart Centre Singapore, the National University Heart Centre Singapore, the Singapore Cardiac Society, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, and the World Heart Federation for initiating today’s symposium.

9.    I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our healthcare professionals for their hard work and dedication in looking after our patients, and helping them to lead healthy lifestyles.

10.    I wish everyone a fruitful discussion ahead. Thank you.

[1] Ministry of Health (Singapore). The Singapore Burden of Disease (SBoD) Study 2010. [Note: The Singapore Burden of Disease (SBoD) Study provides a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the burden of ill-health in Singapore, which comprises both morbidity and mortality, i.e. years lived with the disease, and years of life lost due to the disease.]

[2] Geol K et al. Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Mortality Following PCI. Circulation. 2011;123:  2344-2352; and Taylor RS et al. Mortality reductions in patients receiving exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: how much can be attributed to cardiovascular risk factor improvements? Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 2006; 13(3):369-374; as cited in the American Health Association & American Stroke Association. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Putting More Patients on the Road to Recovery. Available online: https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@adv/documents/downloadable/ucm_449722.pdf (last accessed 20 Oct 2015).

[3] Tay HY, Kwan YH, Ong KY, Chang JY. Heart Wellness Programme – A Community Based Cardiac Rehabilitation and Primary Prevention Programme to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease in a Multi-ethnic Society. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore. 2013; 42(9).