When to See a Heart Specialist in Singapore
Key takeaways:
- Breathlessness and fatigue can be early signs of heart conditions, not just stress or poor fitness
- Common causes include heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders
- These symptoms may develop gradually and be easy to overlook
- If they interfere with your daily routine, a cardiology review is worth considering
- Early evaluation can help identify and manage conditions before complications arise
We all feel tired from time to time, and feeling breathless after climbing a few flights of stairs might not seem like a big deal. But when fatigue and shortness of breath become persistent, it’s worth taking a closer look. For some, these may be early signs of a heart condition.
At Heart Matters Medical Centre, many patients tell us they delayed seeing a doctor because they thought their symptoms were due to a hectic lifestyle, ageing, or lack of exercise. In reality, some of these symptoms were linked to underlying issues like heart failure, arrhythmias, or valve disease.
Tiredness and Breathlessness: When It’s Not Just About Being Busy
Fatigue and breathlessness may seem vague, but they can be your body’s way of signalling that your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently.
Here are some heart-related causes to consider:
Heart Failure
In heart failure, the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can result in:
- Constant tiredness
- Difficulty climbing stairs or walking long distances
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Shortness of breath when lying down or during sleep
These symptoms often develop slowly, making them easy to overlook until daily activities become difficult.
Arrhythmias (Irregular Heart Rhythms)
If your heart beats too fast, too slowly, or irregularly, it may not circulate blood effectively. This can lead to:
- Episodes of breathlessness
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Unexplained tiredness, even at rest
- Palpitations or fluttering sensations in the chest
Some arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation, increase the risk of stroke and should be addressed early.
Heart Valve Disease
Valves help blood flow through the heart in the right direction. When a valve doesn’t open or close properly (due to narrowing or leakage), the heart must work harder, causing fatigue, breathlessness, or chest discomfort. Valve problems can progress quietly over time, and early signs are often dismissed as “getting old” or “being unfit.”
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
Not every episode of tiredness is heart-related. But if your symptoms are:
- Persistent (lasting weeks or months)
- Worsening over time
- Affecting your ability to work, exercise, or rest
- Accompanied by palpitations, chest pain, or swelling
…it’s time to consult a heart specialist.
If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, don’t wait for symptoms to get severe.
What to Expect at a Heart Matters Consultation
A cardiology assessment may include:
- Physical examination and health history review
- 12-lead ECG – to check heart rhythm
- Echocardiography – to assess heart function and structure
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring – to capture symptoms over a longer period
- Blood tests – to check for other contributing conditions
These tests are non-invasive and can provide important insights into how your heart is working.
Don’t Let Symptoms Linger
Many heart conditions are manageable when identified early. Fatigue and breathlessness don’t always mean something serious, but they shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they’re interfering with your life.
At Heart Matters Medical Centre, we offer detailed evaluations to help you understand what’s behind your symptoms. If necessary, we can guide you through your options for further investigation or care.
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired or short of breath, speak with Dr Dinesh Nair and our team to explore your heart health.
📍 Located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
📞 Call +65 6339 1991
📧 info@heartmatters.com.sg
🔗 Book a consultation