Women’s Heart Health in Singapore |
Dr Chan Po Fun, Female Cardiologist
Why Women’s Heart Health Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet it is often under-recognised. Unlike men, women may experience subtle symptoms that are easily mistaken for stress, gastric problems, or fatigue. As a female cardiologist in Singapore, I specialise in recognising these unique patterns and providing care tailored to women’s needs at every stage of life.
How Heart Disease Presents in Women
Many women do not have the “classic” crushing chest pain. Instead, symptoms may include:
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Fatigue or unusual tiredness
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Breathlessness during rest or light activity
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Indigestion, nausea, or abdominal discomfort
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Pain in the back, jaw, or neck
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Dizziness, palpitations, or sleep problems
👉 Because these signs are often subtle, they can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to dangerous delays in treatment.
Unique Heart Conditions in Women
Some heart conditions are more common or behave differently in women:
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Microvascular Dysfunction – chest pain despite “normal” large arteries
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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) – a cause of heart attacks in younger women
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Takotsubo Syndrome (Broken Heart Syndrome) – stress-related heart weakness, often seen in post-menopausal women
Screening for Women by Life Stage
Heart health risks change with age, pregnancy, and menopause. Screening recommendations include:
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In your 20s–30s: Establish baseline cholesterol, blood pressure, ECG
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During pregnancy: Monitor for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and peripartum cardiomyopathy
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Perimenopause: Annual cholesterol and glucose checks, watch for new symptoms
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Postmenopause: Consider coronary calcium scoring, lifestyle optimisation, advanced heart screening
Why Choose Dr Chan Po Fun
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Specialist in Women’s Heart Health and recognition of gender-specific symptoms
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Trained in Heart Failure Management and Echocardiography for breast-cancer treatment associated cardiomyopathy
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Strong base in cholesterol and lipid management, including modern therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors (i.e Inclisiran)
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Belief in prevention-first care, empowering patients to protect their heart health before problems arise
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Known for a compassionate, patient-centred approach, ensuring you feel heard and supported
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How are heart attack symptoms different in women?
A: Women may experience fatigue, indigestion, back or jaw pain, and breathlessness instead of the “classic” chest pain.
Q: Should women get heart screening even if they feel well?
A: Yes. Early screening helps detect risks before symptoms appear, especially in women with family history or pregnancy complications.
Q: Can pregnancy complications affect future heart health?
A: Yes. Conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes can double a woman’s lifetime risk of heart disease.
Q: Does Dr Chan see male patients as well?
A: Yes. While Dr Chan's special focus is on women’s heart health, she also provides comprehensive care for men with cardiac conditions.
Take the First Step
Don’t ignore subtle symptoms.
Protect your heart with care that is precise, compassionate, and personalised.
Links
Women's Heart Health
The Facts about Women and Heart Disease
WomenHeart
