Running Back to Good Health

Some people believe that one’s life flashes before one’s eyes in a near-death experience. If that is true, Mr Kor Hong Fatt might have had his moment when he had a heart attack that nearly killed him at the age of 70.

Fortunately, Mr Kor, who is now 75 years old and a retiree, survived the traumatic attack and is now fitter than before, thanks to exercising. Prior to that, he was sedentary, exercising only once in a while, had borderline hypercholesterolaemia but was not on medications. His heart attack may have been brought about by this condition as well as a lack of regular exercise.

“I was devastated and demoralised for some time after the heart attack... I was physically fit for a man of my age; I made an effort to have a healthy diet and moderate exercise... I simply could not accept the fact that this could possibly happen to me,” said Mr Kor.

Following the incident, he went through 12 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, and physiotherapy for pain in his knees before he started running under the medical supervision of Dr Sua Jo Nie, Medical Officer from Changi Sports Medicine Centre (CSMC). “I decided that I must change my entire lifestyle. I decided to participate in marathon running to challenge myself and prove that my body could take it,” said Mr Kor.

Since then, he has not looked back, and has even embarked on an 18-month training quest to finish his first marathon, but not before being cleared medically by his cardiologist. He also pays extra attention to his diet now, avoiding food which are high in cholesterol such as char kway teow, laksa, mutton soup and fried food.

The positive effects of exercise on Mr Kor are apparent. Since he started running, he has not experienced any symptoms typical of heart patients. Along the way, he chalked up an impressive record of nine marathons in four years, and is currently training for his upcoming running season. Looking at him today, no one would have guessed that he had a heart attack before. The fact that he is a heart patient puts many young athletes in awe.

However, Dr Sua reminded him to be very careful. “He must be constantly on the look out for symptoms of heart problems like chest pains and overt shortness of breath during his regular exercises. Besides cardiovascular medication and his current follow up with his general practitioner every four months, he needs constant monitoring of his blood pressure, heart rate and should monitor his blood glucose as well. Periodical testing of cholesterol levels is also useful,” she said.

I love running, and I will keep on running for as long as I can. Regular exercises has strengthened my resolve to stay fit and become stronger than ever.
- Mr Kor Hong Fatt