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No More Chest Pains

Seeking proper medical attention in time saved his heart. Thanks to timely intervention and a change in diet, Cliff Teo is now in better shape and back to the sporty lifestyle he loves so much.

Chatting with Mr Cliff Teo, it’s hard not to be infected by his energy and optimism. Not too long ago, the father of two grown up sons was overweight at 107kg and needed surgery to treat a heart condition. Fast forward to today and you can find the 54-year old lifting weights with ease and working out on the cross-trainer at the gym in his condominium.

But Cliff’s story is no overnight sensation. He got to where he is today through sheer dogged determination and discipline. To some extent, he also has the strong foundation he laid in his younger days as an active sportsman and Navy regular to thank for his remarkable recovery.

A Close Shave

It all began in 2007 when he accompanied his late wife, Kit Ping to see a doctor at Mount Alvernia Hospital. While at the hospital, Cliff felt acute chest pains. At his wife’s insistence, Cliff headed over to the hospital’s 24 Hour Walk-in Clinic & Emergency Department and was advised to be admitted for observation.

Truth be told, it was not the first time Cliff had been struck with such pains. For some time, he had been experiencing recurring tightness around the chest area and felt significant discomfort whenever he exercised.

“Whenever I went jogging around the estate, my chest literally felt like it was going to explode, especially during the first five minutes of exercising,” he admitted.

Though the discomfort subsided as he eased into the run, Cliff instinctively knew that something was wrong, but he shrugged it off.

Fortunately for Cliff, the doctors were able to diagnose the problem in time.

Upon admission to hospital, Interventional Cardiologist Dr Tan Kok Soon ordered a battery of tests, including a stress test, ECG and treadmill sessions. The results showed about 70 per cent blockages of three sub arteries and complete blockage of his capillaries.

First line of defence

No direct medical intervention was required immediately, but Dr Tan prescribed a concoction of medications and advised Cliff to make immediate lifestyle changes to bring his weight down. It was a wake up call for the man whose friends call him “Superman”.

No longer in denial about his condition, Cliff set his mind on improving his health, cutting down on seafood, fried foods and curries. After consulting with the doctor, Cliff continued his gym workouts but followed a moderated exercise plan.

The commitment to a managed diet and regular exercise soon paid off. Within six months, Cliff lost 15 kg and brought his weight down to 92kg. Meanwhile he continued to see Dr Tan every three months for regular review sessions.

During one such regular review earlier this year, tests showed a progression in the narrowing of the arteries.

Surgical Options

This time, Dr Tan advised Cliff to consider a coronary angioplasty – a procedure in which surgeons use a balloon to widen a blocked heart artery, then implant a small, stent to hold the artery open and improve blood flow. This was the first option. Cliff’s second option was heart bypass surgery.

Like any patient, Cliff had his share of questions and concerns. He asked Dr Tan whether a less invasive procedure like angioplasty meant it was less effective than a more invasive operation but Dr Tan assured him that was not the case. He explained that it was prudent to go for the less invasive procedure first as that might solve the problem without the need for more major surgery that would involve more risk and a longer recovery period.

“Dr Tan is a very discerning doctor who goes beyond what is expected to reassure his patients. He was very receptive to my questions and took me through the pros and cons of all the options available,” recalled a grateful Cliff.

True to his Superman reputation, fearless Cliff opted against anaesthesia for his operation, choosing instead to remain conscious throughout the two-hour procedure.

“I was very calm,” recalled Cliff. “I was chatting with Dr Tan the whole time and could see what he was doing and exactly what was going on. Dr Tan is extremely careful and precise. I trusted and felt very comfortable with him.”

‘Superman’ back on track

Four months after the procedure, Cliff no longer experienced chest pains and tightness. He could clock longer mileage on the exercise machines and return to his routine of evening jogs, swims and gym work three to four times a week. His weight at last check was 79kg.

“I definitely feel a lot better than before but now that I am more aware of my physical limitations, I try to be extra cautious and avoid pushing myself too hard. After all, I’m not competing with anyone else.”

Cliff must also continue to pay close attention to his diet, stay disciplined with regular exercise and take his medications as prescribed.

Having grown wiser from his own personal experience, Cliff now takes every opportunity to remind friends and loved ones to guard their health.

“Most people think ‘It won’t happen to me’ but health is something you can’t predict and sickness does not discriminate against anyone.”

Dr Tan Kok Soon is based at Tan Kok Soon Heart Specialist Clinic at Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Blk A, Unit #06-06). Tel: (+65) 6358 0650.