Recovering from a heart attack is about much more than medication and physical rehabilitation. It is also an emotional and mental journey—one that affects not only patients, but also their families and caregivers. As the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) marks its 55th anniversary this year with the upcoming Resilient Hearts Charity Show on 29 June 2025, we take a closer look at what heart recovery really means through the deeply personal story of Mr Leong Mun Chew, a client of SHF’s Heart Wellness Centre, alongside professional insights from Assistant Professor Yeo Tee Joo, a board member of SHF and Senior Consultant at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS).
Mr Geoffrey Ong, CEO of the Singapore Heart Foundation (first from left), Professor Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman of the Singapore Heart Foundation (fifth from left), Dr Low Lip Ping, Chairman Emeritus of the Singapore Heart Foundation (sixth from left), and Asst Prof Yeo Tee Joo, Board member and member of the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Committee (first from right), posing at the photobooth for a photo with other Board Members at the SHF 55th Anniversary Celebration Event.
Q: Mr Leong, can you tell us what happened leading up to your heart attack?
Mr Leong: It was in 2019. I had been under intense work stress and wasn’t exercising at all. I often felt exhausted—even short walks would drain me. One day, while doing laundry, I started sweating profusely and my arms felt weak. Thankfully, my wife recognised the signs and rushed me to the hospital, which was thankfully just 10 minutes away. Tests revealed dangerously high heart muscle enzyme levels, fluid in my lungs, and a 100% blocked artery. I had to undergo an emergency stent procedure.
Q: What role does emotional recovery play in heart health?
Asst Prof Yeo: It’s a vital part of the journey. Many survivors experience shock, anxiety, and a sense of uncertainty. Emotional support—from family, friends, and peers—makes a significant difference. It helps patients rebuild confidence, adapt to new routines, and maintain a positive outlook. We know that negative emotions are linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes, while optimism often correlates with better recovery.
Q: What was recovery like for you emotionally, Mr Leong?
Mr Leong: One of the hardest parts was accepting that I could no longer drive after doing so for over 50 years. Emotionally, I kept thinking, “It’s not my time yet.” I was overwhelmed in the ICU, but the presence of my wife, children, and church friends helped me through. Their support was my anchor.
Q: How did your relationship evolve with your wife during recovery?
Mr Leong: She became my primary caregiver—driving me to appointments, managing my diet, and supporting me emotionally. We also resumed our shared hobby of Chinese painting, which gave us quality time together and strengthened our bond.
Q: Asst Prof Yeo, what signs should caregivers look out for if they suspect a patient is struggling mentally?
Asst Prof Yeo: Look out for mood changes, withdrawal from activities, persistent fatigue, lack of motivation, and expressions of hopelessness. These could indicate that emotional support or even professional help is needed.
Q: Mr Leong, what helped you emotionally during your recovery?
Mr Leong: Art therapy—specifically Chinese painting—helped calm my mind. Weekly classes with my daughter became a highlight of my week. Joining SHF’s Healthy Heart Support Group also connected me with others who understood what I was going through. We share stories, attend talks, and even go on trips together.
An attendee at SHF’s 55th Anniversary Celebration on 6 April poses with an artwork from “The Resilient HeARTs Exhibition”, which included a piece contributed by Mr Leong and his wife
Q: How does SHF’s Heart Wellness Programme support emotional well-being?
Asst Prof Yeo: The programme offers more than physical rehabilitation. Patients get tailored exercise plans, nutritional counselling, and are supported with validated tools to monitor their well-being. SHF also refers patients to mental health professionals if needed. Importantly, peer support through the Healthy Heart Support Group helps reduce isolation and boosts motivation.
Q: What would you say to someone hesitant about seeking emotional support?
Asst Prof Yeo: You don’t have to go through it alone. Support groups and professional help can make a huge difference. Emotional well-being is as important as physical recovery, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
A staff member from the SHF Heart Wellness Centre guides a client through a strength exercise as part of the centre’s Heart Wellness Programme
Q: What message do you have for other heart patients and caregivers?
Mr Leong: Don’t go through this alone. Surround yourself with loved ones. Find something that brings you peace—art, nature, prayer. And to caregivers: your support matters immensely. Encourage your loved one, but also take care of yourself.
Q: As SHF celebrates 55 years, what does the Foundation mean to you?
Mr Leong: SHF played a vital role in my recovery. Their Heart Wellness Programme gave me the tools and support to reclaim my life. It’s more than just a place to exercise—it’s a community that heals hearts, inside and out. I hope more people learn about the good work SHF is doing.
SHF’s 55th Anniversary Charity Show: Resilient Hearts
As part of its milestone celebration, SHF is hosting its 55th Anniversary Charity Show – Resilient Hearts on 29 June 2025. Tune in to the broadcast and donate via the QR code shown or at Giving.sg. More details about the charity show can be found at: https://shf55.myheart.org.sg/resilient-heart-2025-celebrating-55-years-of-empowering-heart-health/
Let’s support heart patients and celebrate 55 years of empowering heart health in Singapore.
Images: Mr & Mrs Leong, and Singapore Heart Foundation
The post Healing Hearts: A Holistic Look at Life After a Heart Attack with SHF appeared first on The Wellness Insider.