Over 100 seniors benefit from heart rehab program

More than 100 elderly patients with advanced heart failure are benefiting from a rehabilitation program at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in Singapore. The program, called HF Care, provides personalized exercise plans, psychological support, and nutritional advice. One patient, 65-year-old Mr. Tan Kim Kiang, struggled after a heart attack three years ago. He found it hard to walk short distances and felt weak. Joining the rehabilitation program helped him progress from slow walks to brisk walking and cycling. The HF Care program includes 12 sessions that are each 1.5 hours long. A team of healthcare professionals, including a cardiologist and physiotherapist, tailor the exercises to each patient's needs. Patients receive support to monitor their heart rates and manage breathlessness. Results show improvements for participants, including an 11% decrease in body fat and an 8% increase in muscle mass. Additionally, hospital re-admission rates for these patients fell by 20%. Heart failure affects about 4-5% of Singaporeans, with the rate higher among those aged 65 and older. This is partly due to related health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Dr. Violet Hoon, who leads cardiac rehabilitation at TTSH, hopes to expand the program to reach more patients in the coming years. She emphasizes the importance of continuing care after the rehabilitation program ends. Mr. Tan appreciates the benefits he gained and credits TTSH with changing his life. He now exercises regularly and feels healthier.