Did you know cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Singapore? Discover how the Singapore Heart Foundation has championed prevention, rehabilitation, and resuscitation for 55 years—saving lives, empowering patients, and educating the nation. Find out what they’ve done and what you can do to protect your heart.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally—and here in Singapore, it claims 1 in 3 lives. But for 55 years, the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) has worked tirelessly to reverse this trend. SHF’s story is about resilience, innovation, and impact, from pioneering CPR training to building heart-smart communities.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep your heart healthy or how Singapore is tackling heart disease from the ground up, this is your essential guide.
Prevention is Powerful—And It Starts Early
The SHF’s first line of defence is always prevention. From school kids to working adults, the Foundation has made it its mission to raise awareness of heart risks and promote healthier living.
Flagship programmes like the BP Initiative @ Schools and the Salt Taste Threshold Test educate thousands about blood pressure and sodium intake—two silent killers in heart health. Their latest innovation? The CardioChase Game Kiosk—a motion-sensing game rolling out in schools that makes learning about healthy diets and exercise fun and interactive.
By the numbers: 727,916 individuals were reached by SHF’s educational outreach between April 2023 and March 2024.
Rehabilitation That Changes Lives
Heart attack recovery is not just about survival—it’s about thriving. That’s where SHF’s Heart Wellness Centres (HWC) step in.
At Bukit Gombak, Fortune Centre, and Junction 8 centres, heart patients receive tailored rehabilitation for just $5 per session. These programmes restore physical strength and build community, confidence, and long-term habits.
Meet Patricia, 77, who faced dangerously high cholesterol in 2022. After surgery, she joined the Gombak Centre and is now hiking nature trails. “The SHF team truly encouraged and empowered me,” she said.
Financial Aid that Keeps Hearts Beating
Medical treatments are expensive. For many, financial strain can be as dangerous as the illness itself. That’s why SHF’s Heart Support Fund is crucial.
Take Mr Rahmat, 65, who underwent a $36,000 heart procedure. After insurance, SHF stepped in with $5,000 in aid. “It was a lifeline,” he said. “I could focus on my recovery, not the bills.”
In just one year, 300 individuals received financial support from SHF, helping them access the care they urgently needed.
Building a Nation of Lifesavers
Would you know what to do if someone collapsed in front of you? Thanks to SHF’s Heart Safe Initiative, over 8,000 people learned CPR and AED skills last year alone.
From CPR+AED courses to self-learning kiosks in public spaces, SHF empowers everyday Singaporeans to become Community First Responders. In 2023, the Foundation also launched the Community First Responders Club, a safe space for volunteers to connect and keep learning.
This is not just skill-building—it’s nation-building.
Innovation Meets Education: CardioChase and Captain Hugo
SHF knows that heart health education must evolve to reach the next generation. That’s why they’ve invested in gamified learning.
After launching the online game Captain Hugo in 2022, SHF followed up with CardioChase, a physical kiosk game featuring the lovable mascots Hugo and Sandy. The game is designed for school environments and teaches kids to make better lifestyle choices.
By meeting kids where they are—at school and through play—SHF is laying the groundwork for a heart-healthier future.
Resilience Through Art and Community
Heart health is more than numbers—it’s emotional and mental, too. To celebrate its 55th anniversary, SHF curated the Resilient HeARTs exhibition, which featured 55 artworks from survivors, caregivers, and staff.
They also partnered with local organisations to host art workshops that champion mental wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity—all through the lens of heart health.
It’s a reminder that healing and prevention go beyond clinics—they live in everyday creativity, support, and community.
Your Role in a Heart-Healthy Singapore
The SHF’s journey shows that prevention, rehabilitation, and education work. But the next chapter? That’s where you come in.
Simple lifestyle changes—like reducing salt intake, staying active, managing stress, and getting regular health checks—can reduce your risk of heart disease. You can also sign up for CPR training or support SHF’s cause through donations or volunteering.
Mark your calendar: the SHF Charity TV Show ‘Resilient Hearts’ airs on 29 June 2025 on Mediacorp Channel 8. Tune in and support the work that’s keeping Singapore’s hearts strong.
Conclusion: Keep Your Heart in the Game
Heart health isn’t just a medical concern—it’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and a community effort. For over 55 years, the Singapore Heart Foundation has led the charge in reducing cardiovascular disease through education, rehabilitation, financial aid, and life-saving training.
Now, it’s your turn to step up.
Are you ready to take charge of your heart health?
