Dr Gerard Leong is a cardiologist in private practice at Farrer Park, with a clinical focus on ischemic heart disease, heart failure and preventive cardiology. He trained in Singapore and overseas at Massachusetts General Hospital and The Alfred Hospital. He co-chaired the Ministry of Health’s Working Committee on Integrated Care Pathways for Ischemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure and was a founding board member of the Heart Failure Society (Singapore).
Clinical focus
Heart failure and preventive cardiology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
Cardiologist with training in Singapore, Massachusetts General Hospital (USA) and The Alfred Hospital (Australia).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Gerard Leong Cardiologist Clinic — Farrer Park
- Hospital affiliation(s): Farrer Park Hospital
Related heart-health guides
Getting to the clinic
Dr Gerard Leong practises at Farrer Park Hospital, part of the Connexion development on Rang Mahal Road in the Farrer Park area. The hospital sits directly above Farrer Park MRT on the North-East Line (NE8), which makes it one of the more accessible private hospitals in Singapore: you can travel from the station to the hospital lift lobby without going outdoors, a real advantage in wet weather or for anyone who tires easily. Several bus services also run along Serangoon Road and the surrounding streets.
If you prefer to drive or take a taxi, there is a sheltered drop-off point at the hospital entrance, and taxi or ride-hailing pick-up is straightforward on departure. The Connexion complex has a paid visitor carpark, so allow a little extra time during busy clinic periods. For patients with heart failure who may find walking or standing tiring, the short, sheltered, lift-served route from the MRT to the clinic is worth planning around.
What heart failure and preventive cardiology cover
Dr Leong’s focus is ischaemic heart disease, heart failure and preventive cardiology. Heart failure means the heart is not pumping as effectively as it should, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, swelling of the legs or ankles, fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance. It can follow a heart attack, long-standing high blood pressure, valve disease or weakening of the heart muscle. Management aims to relieve symptoms, slow progression and reduce the risk of hospital admissions, usually through a combination of medicines, monitoring and lifestyle measures.
Preventive cardiology addresses the risk factors that lead to heart disease in the first place: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and a family history of heart problems. The aim is to identify and reduce risk before a heart attack or heart failure develops, or to prevent further events in people who already have heart disease. Ischaemic heart disease itself refers to narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle, which can cause angina or heart attacks.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually starts with a discussion of your symptoms, such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations or swelling, and how they affect daily activities. The doctor will review your medical history, medications and risk factors, then examine your heart, lungs and circulation. Investigations may include an ECG, blood tests, a chest X-ray and an echocardiogram to assess how well the heart is pumping. Where coronary disease is suspected, further tests such as a stress test or coronary imaging may be discussed.
The consultation generally concludes with an explanation of the likely diagnosis and a management plan, which for heart failure often involves carefully chosen medicines, fluid and salt advice, and a schedule of follow-up. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your condition and what to watch for at home.
Preparing for your appointment
Bring your photo identification and any referral letter from a GP or polyclinic. Collect previous heart-related records, including earlier ECGs, echocardiogram or angiogram reports and any hospital discharge summaries, especially if you have had a heart attack or heart failure admission before.
- An up-to-date list of all medicines and supplements with their doses, as heart failure treatment is often medication-led.
- A note of your recent blood pressure or weight readings if you monitor them at home, since daily weight can signal fluid build-up.
- A written list of symptoms and questions, including how far you can walk before becoming breathless.
- Details of other conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or lung problems.
After your consultation and follow-up
After your visit you will usually be given a clear plan and any test results explained, with copies or reports made available. Heart failure and preventive cardiology often involve regular review visits to adjust medicines, check blood tests such as kidney function, and monitor symptoms and weight. Referrals for further imaging or coronary procedures may be arranged if needed, and your GP can be kept informed to support ongoing care between specialist visits.
Continuity matters because heart failure is a long-term condition that responds well to steady, well-titrated treatment. You may seek a second opinion at any point. Seek urgent care if you develop sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or rapid weight gain with worsening swelling, which can signal a flare needing prompt attention.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private practice, appointments can generally be made directly without a referral, although a GP or polyclinic letter helps share your history and may assist if you later seek subsidised care at a public hospital. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while consultations are usually paid out of pocket. Costs for tests and procedures vary, so confirm fees and insurance coverage with the clinic in advance.
Common questions
What are the early warning signs of heart failure?
Common signs include increasing breathlessness, tiredness, swelling of the ankles or legs, and waking at night short of breath. Sudden weight gain over a few days can indicate fluid retention.
Can heart failure be managed without hospital admissions?
Many people are managed well as outpatients with the right medicines, monitoring and lifestyle measures, which can reduce the need for admission. Regular follow-up is key.
What does preventive cardiology involve?
It focuses on identifying and lowering risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and on lifestyle changes, to prevent heart attacks and heart failure or further events.
Do I need a referral to see a private cardiologist?
Usually not, though a referral letter is helpful for continuity and may matter for subsidies if you are later seen in the public system.
Sources & verification
See also: Best cardiologists in Singapore (editorial directory) and our shortlist of cardiology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
Don’t agree with this listing? If this is your profile and you’d like the details corrected, updated or removed — or you’d like to be featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form. We’ll sort it out quickly.