What are the different types of heart specialists in Singapore?

Yes, there are heart specialists with different areas of subspecialties. This means that each one of us have areas within cardiology that we have received deeper training in. Some are trained in doing procedures like stenting, some in advanced cardiac imaging, some in advanced heart failure and yet others in complex rhythms of the heart. Just like in all other aspects of medicine, including Oncology, Surgery or Ophthalmology, no one doctor can profess to be an expert in every aspect of Cardiology.

You will be comforted to know that all cardiologists are well-trained to manage most of the cardiology conditions. All of us will be able to take care of patients with General Cardiac Conditions such as Coronary Artery Disease (blocked arteries), Mild Heart Failure, Common heart rhythm problems, Valve diseases. If a particular area of expertise is required, we will then involve our fellow colleagues who will have the necessary skills to help further manage your condition. For example, if coronary angioplasty procedure was required, an interventional cardiologists can be engaged to perform the procedure; or if advanced heart failure was diagnosed, a heart failure cardiologist will be involved; or if advanced imaging like a transesophageal echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart via the esophagus) was needed, an echocardiologist will be consulted.

If you do not know what heart condition you are suffering from, you can be assured that you can attend any cardiologist whom you trust, and that he or she will be trained to manage your condition, and will engage the help of our colleagues if necessary.

Great question! Your friend is entirely right.

Not many people know this, but there are actually 3 main "types" of cardiologists in Singapore, according to their further sub-specialty training and qualifications. These are:

1. Non-Invasive Cardiologist
2. Interventional Cardiologist
3. Electrophysiologists (EP)

1. Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Non-invasive heart doctors manage patients in the outpatient setting. Their role is to prevent and manage heart-related problems, such as hypertension and heart failure.

They are adept at performing diagnostic heart screening tests to uncover heart issues, such as exercise tests or MRI imaging.

2. Interventional Cardiologists

Invasive heart doctors receive additional sub-specialty and fellowship training in performing "angioplasties", or cardiac catheterizations.

This is my role of expertise, and I often liken it to "plumbing" as it involves unblocking clogged heart arteries. Interventional cardiology is also a field that one has to be deeply passionate about, as you have to perform the procedure countless times before becoming an expert.

I've accumulated years of experience in interventional cardiology by practicing in high-volume centres in Singapore such as the National Heart Centre Singapore, National University Heart Centre and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

3. Electrophysiologists (EP)

Electrophysiology is the study of bio-electrical impulses of heart. These electrical impulses control the pace of one’s heartbeat. When this stops functioning, abnormal heart rhythms can result.

Not very long ago, inserting a pacemaker was the only option to correct irregularities of the heart. However, EPs can now administer drug therapy, or burn away nerves that cause malfunctioning of the heart in order to treat abnormal heart rhythms.