Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our Heart and Lung Excellence Centre.
1. What does the KPJ Heart & Lung Centre of Excellence offer?
The JSH Heart & Lung Centre of Excellence provides comprehensive care for heart and lung conditions, from early screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. Services include heart health screening, diagnostic imaging, 24-hour emergency heart attack treatment (Primary PCI), coronary angiography, cardiothoracic surgery, minimally invasive and structural heart procedures, respiratory diagnostics, lung interventions, sleep studies, and rehabilitation programs. All care is delivered through standardized, evidence-based clinical pathways under the KPJ Academic Health System (AHS).
2. When should I see a heart specialist?
The JSH Heart & Lung Centre of Excellence provides comprehensive care for heart and lung conditions, from early screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. Services include heart health screening, diagnostic imaging, 24-hour emergency heart attack treatment (Primary PCI), coronary angiography, cardiothoracic surgery, minimally invasive and structural heart procedures, respiratory diagnostics, lung interventions, sleep studies, and rehabilitation programs. All care is delivered through standardized, evidence-based clinical pathways under the KPJ Academic Health System (AHS).
3. What symptoms may indicate lung or breathing problems?
Symptoms include persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, frequent
chest infections, loud snoring, poor sleep quality, or reduced exercise tolerance. Early
evaluation helps improve outcomes and quality of life.
4. Do KPJ hospitals provide 24-hour heart attack treatment?
Yes. Selected KPJ hospitals provide 24/7 emergency coronary angiography and Primary PCI
services. These are supported by standardized emergency pathways to ensure rapid
diagnosis, timely treatment, and coordinated care.
5. What structural heart procedures are available?
Structural heart services include TAVI/TAVR for aortic valve disease, Mitra Clip for mitral
valve leakage, ASD/PFO closure, and left atrial appendage closure. Suitability is
determined through Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) discussions.
6. What lung and respiratory services are available?
Respiratory services include bronchoscopy, Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), lung
biopsies, pulmonary function tests, sleep studies, thoracic surgery, and management of
COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
7. What tests are used to diagnose heart conditions?
Heart conditions are assessed using a comprehensive range of cardiac investigations.
These include electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress testing, Holter monitoring,
coronary angiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI. KPJ has upgraded its imaging
capabilities with a 1.5 Tesla Solar Fit MRI, which offers high-quality cardiac imaging with
improved patient comfort, shorter scan times, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy for
assessing heart structure, function, tissue viability, and complex cardiac conditions.
8. What tests are used to diagnose lung conditions?
Tests include pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy, sleep studies,
and EBUS.
9. Do you offer heart and lung rehabilitation programs?
Yes. Rehabilitation includes supervised exercise, breathing therapy, lifestyle counselling,
medication optimization, and long-term monitoring tailored to individual needs.
10. How is care coordinated across KPJ hospitals?
KPJ uses a hub-and-spoke model, allowing screening and follow-up at nearby KPJ hospitals
while advanced procedures are performed at designated Centres of Excellence, ensuring
continuity of care.
11. What is the recovery time after heart surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients stay in hospital for several days, followed by 6
to 12 weeks of rehabilitation and gradual return to daily activities.
12. What is the recovery time after lung procedure?
Patients usually require a few days of inpatient monitoring, followed by 4 to 8 weeks of
recovery supported by breathing exercises and physiotherapy.
13. What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting?
An MDT meeting involves cardiologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, nurses, and allied
health professionals reviewing complex cases together to recommend the best treatment
plan for patients.
14. Are second opinions available at KPJ?
Yes. Patients may request second opinions from KPJ specialists to support informed
decision-making.
15. How do I prepare for a heart or lung procedure?
Preparation may include fasting, medication adjustments, blood tests, imaging, and pre-
procedure education. A nurse navigator will guide you through the process.
16. Are heart and lung procedures safe?
JSH follows internationally aligned protocols, strict safety standards, and MDT governance
to ensure safe and consistent care.
17. What lifestyle changes supporting heart and lung health?
Healthy habits include quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical
activity, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and attending regular medical reviews.
18. Can I use insurance or corporate panel coverage?
Most diagnostic tests, treatments, and admissions are covered by insurance providers and
corporate panels, subject to policy terms.
19. How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be arranged online, via WhatsApp, or through the JSH Coordination
Centre, which also assists with referrals and follow-up care.
