Finding the Right Cardiologist in Singapore

Heart health needs can vary widely, from managing cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure changes to assessing chest discomfort, palpitations or an existing heart condition. Choosing a cardiologist whose training and clinical focus match the patient’s concerns can help ensure the care provided is appropriate for their needs.
 

When comparing cardiologists, patients may find it helpful to consider the doctor’s qualifications, area of cardiology, access to relevant tests, communication style and approach to follow-up care. These factors can make it easier to choose a doctor who is suited to both the immediate concern and longer-term heart health needs.

What Is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists also manage conditions and risk factors such as coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

When Should You Consider Seeing a Cardiologist?

A cardiology assessment may be recommended when heart-related symptoms keep returning, remain unexplained or appear alongside cardiovascular risk factors. A doctor may also refer a patient based on examination findings, test results or an existing heart condition.
 

Symptoms that may warrant specialist assessment include:

• Chest discomfort

• Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or fainting

• Reduced exercise tolerance
   

Patients with known cardiovascular conditions may also need ongoing specialist review. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of heart disease can further influence whether a cardiology assessment is appropriate.

When Do Heart Symptoms Need Emergency Attention?

Some symptoms require urgent medical care rather than a routine cardiology appointment. Sudden or severe chest pain, significant breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, or sudden vision changes should be assessed promptly.
 

If symptoms suggest a possible medical emergency, patients should seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for an outpatient consultation.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Cardiologist?

Patients should consider whether the doctor’s qualifications, cardiology subspecialty, and access to relevant investigations match the heart condition or symptoms being assessed.

Specialist Credentials and Registration

Start by reviewing the cardiologist’s medical qualifications, specialist training and registration. In Singapore, doctors must obtain specialist accreditation and be registered in the relevant specialty before practising as specialists.
 

These details can help patients understand whether the doctor’s background is relevant to their cardiovascular needs.

Area of Cardiology

Cardiology covers several areas of practice, so the doctor’s clinical focus may be important depending on the patient’s condition.
 

• Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology focuses on catheter-based procedures used to assess and treat certain heart conditions. These may include coronary angiography and angioplasty for selected patients with narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
 

Patients with suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease may benefit from seeing a cardiologist with relevant interventional training.
 

• Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac imaging helps assess the heart’s structure, function and blood supply. Depending on the clinical situation, this may involve echocardiography, CT-based imaging, nuclear cardiology or other imaging techniques.
 

The results can be considered alongside the patient’s symptoms, medical history and other investigations to guide further care.
 

• Sports Cardiology

Sports cardiology focuses on heart health in athletes and physically active individuals. It may be relevant for patients who experience symptoms during exercise, have an existing cardiovascular condition or need guidance about returning to physical activity.
 

• Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation may support recovery after certain heart events or procedures. Depending on the patient’s needs, it can include supervised exercise, cardiovascular risk management, education and guidance on returning to daily activities.

Consider the Clinic’s Diagnostic Capabilities

Access to appropriate testing can also be important when choosing a cardiology clinic. For instance, EH Heart Specialist Pte Ltd provides investigations that can assess heart rhythm, structure, function and blood flow, with the choice of test depending on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and clinical findings.

• Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram, or ECG, records the heart’s electrical activity and can help assess heart rhythm and related concerns.

• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to examine the heart’s chambers, valves, pumping function and blood flow.

• Cardiac Stress Testing: A cardiac stress test assesses how the heart responds when its workload increases. The type of test recommended will depend on the patient’s condition and the question being investigated.

• Cardiac Imaging: Additional cardiac imaging may be used when more information is needed about the heart muscle, coronary arteries, structure or blood flow.

• Coronary Angiography: Coronary angiography examines the coronary arteries and may be considered when coronary artery disease is suspected or when the findings could affect treatment planning.
   

Not every patient requires the same tests. A cardiologist should recommend investigations based on the individual’s symptoms, cardiovascular risk factors, medical history and examination findings.

Why Communication Matters When Choosing a Heart Doctor

Clear communication can make it easier for patients to understand their heart condition, the purpose of recommended tests and the options available for treatment or monitoring. This is especially important in cardiology, where consultations may involve complex medical terms, test results and decisions about ongoing care.
 

Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about:

• What may be causing their symptoms

• Why a particular test has been recommended

• What the test results mean

• Which treatment or monitoring options are available

• The possible benefits and risks of a procedure

• How prescribed medicines should be taken

• Which lifestyle changes may be helpful

• When follow-up appointments or further tests are needed
   

Good communication also helps patients stay informed as their care progresses, particularly when a heart condition requires long-term monitoring or treatment.

Meet Dr Eric Hong, a Cardiologist in Singapore

Dr Eric Hong is a Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Physician at EH Heart Specialist, located at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore.
 

His professional qualifications include: 

• MB BCh (Ireland), MRCP (United Kingdom)

• FAMS (Cardiology), FRCP (Edinburgh, UK)

• FACC (USA), FESC (European Society of Cardiology, France)

• Diplomate in Nuclear Cardiology (CNBC, USA)

• Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI, USA)
   

Dr Hong completed two ACGME-accredited clinical fellowships in interventional cardiology and non-invasive cardiac imaging, with training that included cardiac CT angiography, PET/SPECT imaging and nuclear cardiology. His clinical interests include interventional cardiology, sports cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation and non-invasive multimodality cardiac imaging.
 

This range of practice may be relevant for patients who require assessment of heart symptoms, cardiac imaging, evaluation of coronary artery disease, interventional treatment or ongoing cardiovascular care.

Cardiovascular Care at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

EH Heart Specialist Pte Ltd is located at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore. The clinic provides cardiovascular assessment and services covering diagnostic investigation, heart screening, interventional treatment, sports cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
 

Depending on the patient’s needs, a visit may include cardiovascular risk assessment, diagnostic investigations, management of identified risk factors, treatment planning and follow-up care. Nursing, cardiac technology and administrative teams also support different stages of the patient journey.
 

For more information or to book a consultation, you may visit https://www.eheartspecialist.com/.