18/09/2026
🌫️ Haze season is here. For heart patients, it's not just about the lungs.
Dr Violet Hoon, Head of Cardiac Rehabilitation at NHG Heart Institute @ Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), was on CNA938's The Wellness Hour today. She spoke with host Tan Tze Hui about what haze does to the heart and what heart patients can do about it.
For cardiac rehab patients, exercise is a core part of recovery. So when the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) spikes, the question isn't simply "should I stay indoors?" It's "how do I keep my recovery on track safely?" 🏃
Here are some key takeaways from the interview:
⚠️ Watch for warning signs. During a haze episode, heart patients should be alert to chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, or unusual fatigue. These could signal that the heart is under strain and warrant prompt medical attention.
🏠 Move your exercise indoors. When the PSI is elevated, switch outdoor workouts to indoor alternatives such as light stretching, resistance exercises, or walking in a mall. Avoid strenuous activity even indoors if ventilation is poor.
🛡️ Reduce your exposure, inside and out. Wear a mask outdoors during haze episodes and avoid commuting during peak hours when possible. Eat well and limit ultra-processed foods, which can worsen inflammation. And if you feel a cold or flu coming on, don't brush it off — for heart patients, even a minor illness can put extra strain on the heart, so see a doctor early.
❤️ Haze affects healthy hearts too. For those without existing heart conditions, haze can still take a toll on long-term heart health through inflammation and oxidative stress. High PSI days call for caution across the board.
Your recovery doesn't have to pause for haze. It just needs a little adapting.
🎙️ Catch the full interview here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/cna938-rewind/wellness-hour-haze-and-heart-what-heart-patients-need-know-6394046
