Dr Paul Chiam — Structural Heart Cardiologist in Singapore

Dr Paul Chiam is an interventional and structural heart cardiologist at The Heart & Vascular Centre, with clinics at Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles. His clinical focus includes minimally invasive heart valve therapies, coronary and peripheral angioplasty, and carotid artery stenting. He trained and previously served at the National Heart Centre Singapore, where he led the team that performed the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Asia, and holds adjunct academic appointments at Duke-NUS and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Clinical focus

Structural heart and coronary intervention.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS, MMed (Int Med), MRCP (UK).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: The Heart & Vascular Centre — Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth
• Hospital affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Hospital; Gleneagles Hospital

Related heart-health guides

• Heart valve disease
• Heart attack warning signs

Getting to the clinic

Dr Paul Chiam practises through The Heart & Vascular Centre, with clinics at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and a further affiliation at Gleneagles Hospital. Confirm which site your appointment is at when you book, as they are in different parts of the city.

• Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard): Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) is the nearest station, a short, partly sheltered walk from the building off Orchard Road.
• Gleneagles (Napier Road): Napier MRT (TE12) or Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) are nearest, though a taxi is often most convenient given the quieter location.
• By car or taxi: both sites have taxi and ride-hailing drop-off and paid visitor carparks.

What structural and coronary heart intervention covers

Dr Chiam’s stated focus is structural heart and coronary intervention. This branch of cardiology treats heart and blood-vessel conditions using catheter-based, minimally invasive techniques as well as standard cardiac care. Common areas include:

• Heart valve disease, including minimally invasive valve therapies for narrowed or leaking valves.
• Coronary artery disease, treated with angioplasty and stenting to open narrowed arteries.
• Peripheral angioplasty for narrowed arteries elsewhere in the body.
• Carotid artery stenting for narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain.

Minimally invasive, catheter-based approaches can treat some conditions without open surgery, though suitability depends on the individual and is assessed carefully.

Structural heart work focuses on the valves and chambers of the heart, while coronary intervention treats the arteries that supply the heart muscle itself. Together they cover much of what causes chest pain, breathlessness and reduced heart function. The appeal of catheter-based techniques is that they can treat serious problems through small access points rather than open surgery, often with a shorter recovery, but they are not right for everyone. The decision rests on careful imaging, the nature of the problem and the person’s overall health, and is usually discussed in detail, sometimes alongside other members of the heart team, before any procedure is planned.

What to expect at a consultation

A first visit usually begins with a detailed history — symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations or dizziness, your risk factors, and family history of heart disease. The cardiologist examines your heart, pulse and blood pressure.

Investigations are central to cardiology and may include an ECG, echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), blood tests or further imaging. The discussion then covers the findings, treatment options ranging from medication and lifestyle measures to procedures, and what each involves.

Preparing for your appointment

• Photo identification and any GP, polyclinic or specialist referral letter.
• Previous heart investigations — ECGs, echocardiograms, angiograms or scan reports.
• A current list of medications and supplements, including any blood-thinning medicines.
• Recent blood test or blood pressure readings if you have them.
• A written note of your symptoms, when they occur and what brings them on, plus your questions.

After your consultation and follow-up

After the visit you will usually have a clear plan: this might be medication and risk-factor management, further tests, or a discussion about a procedure. Results and reports are shared at review visits, and ongoing heart conditions are monitored over time.

If a procedure such as angioplasty or a valve therapy is recommended, follow-up continues through and after it, with reviews to track recovery. Continuity of care matters in cardiology, because risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes need steady, long-term attention alongside any procedure. Seeking a second opinion before a significant intervention is entirely reasonable and often welcomed. Call emergency services immediately for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or signs of a heart attack — do not wait for a routine appointment.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Chiam can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies if you are later directed to a public clinic. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible cardiac procedures and inpatient care within set limits, while consultations are typically out of pocket. Confirm current fees and your coverage with the clinic and your insurer before proceeding, as costs vary with the procedure.

Common questions

What is a transcatheter valve procedure?

It is a minimally invasive way of treating a diseased heart valve using a catheter rather than open surgery; suitability depends on the valve problem and your overall health, and is assessed individually.

What is the difference between angioplasty and bypass surgery?

Angioplasty opens narrowed arteries from the inside using a catheter and stent, while bypass is open surgery; the best option depends on the pattern of disease and is discussed with you.

Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist?

Private cardiologists can usually be seen without a referral, though one from your GP can provide helpful background and may assist with subsidies in the public system.

What heart symptoms need urgent attention?

Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or signs of a heart attack require emergency care immediately rather than waiting for a clinic appointment; calling for an ambulance is safer than trying to travel to hospital yourself.

Sources & verification

• Mount Elizabeth Hospitals specialist profile

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.