Unexplained Fainting (Syncope) in Singapore: Causes, Red Flags, and When to See a Cardiologist
Reviewed by Dr Pipin Kojodjojo, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Asian Heart & Vascular Centre. Last reviewed June 2026. Reading time: about 10 minutes. Fainting, known medically as syncope, is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain. It is common: an estimated one in three people […]
Tilt Table Testing in Singapore: What It Is and What It Diagnoses
Reviewed by Dr Pipin Kojodjojo, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Asian Heart & Vascular Centre. Last reviewed July 2026. Reading time: about 9 minutes. A tilt table test is a safe, outpatient assessment used to find out why a person keeps fainting. The patient lies on a motorised table that tilts them upright while heart […]
Medtronic Affera AF Ablation in Singapore: PFA and RF With One Catheter
By Dr Pipin Kojodjojo, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Asian Heart & Vascular Centre (AHVC). Last reviewed June 2026. Reading time: about 7 minutes. The Medtronic Affera system combines high-density cardiac mapping with a focal dual-energy catheter that can deliver pulsed field ablation (PFA) or radiofrequency (RF) energy. AHVC reports that its doctors were the first […]
Atrial Fibrillation in Singapore: What to Do After a Smartwatch Alert
Reviewed by Dr Pipin Kojodjojo, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Asian Heart & Vascular Centre (AHVC). A smartwatch alert for possible atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is not something to panic about, but it should be checked. Save the recording, note any symptoms, and arrange a clinical review. Seek emergency help immediately for chest pain, fainting, […]
Understanding Aortic Regurgitation: When the Heart’s Valve Doesn’t Close Properly
Aortic regurgitation, also known as aortic valve regurgitation or aortic valve insufficiency is a type of heart valve disease that occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly. This allows blood to leak backward into the heart instead of moving efficiently to the rest of the body. Over time, this extra volume of blood […]
Understanding Angina Pectoris, Chest Pain due to reduced heart blood flow
Chest pain can be an important warning sign of underlying heart conditions. Angina pectoris is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is commonly described as pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing sensation in the chest. Angina is a symptom of underlying heart problems , […]
Understand Irregular Heartbeat Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, is the condition where the heart beats in an irregular rhythm. Irregular heartbeat can be harmless or temporary but it also can cause serious heart conditions. It is important to understand the causes and observe the early symptoms to find the best effective treatment options for maintaining a […]
Monitor Your Heart Rate: A Complete Guide for Women
Heart rate, or pulse rate, refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm). It is a direct reflection of how hard the heart is working to circulate blood through the body. While a “normal” range applies broadly across adults, individual variation is significant. Several factors specific to women, including hormonal fluctuations, […]
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: Warning Signs Every Woman Should Know
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. While heart disease is often perceived as a “man’s disease,” it is the leading cause of death in women globally. Recognising the early warning signs of a heart […]
Heart Palpitations: A Symptom You Should Not Overlook | AHVC
Heart palpitations refer to the awareness of your own heartbeat — typically when it feels unusually fast, irregular, or forceful. You may notice this sensation in your chest, throat, or neck. Episodes can last a few seconds or persist for several minutes.