In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Iain Simpson, an experienced interventional cardiologist and former president of the British Cardiovascular Society, to dive into the essentials of heart disease prevention. Together, we unpack why prioritising heart health is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. From understanding key risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, to exploring the powerful concept of "heart age," this conversation aims to empower you with actionable insights for a healthier heart.

We also discuss the often-overlooked difference between primary and secondary prevention, address the potential stigmas around heart medications like statins, and share practical tips for building sustainable lifestyle changes. Dr. Simpson’s inspiring advice will have you thinking about your cardiovascular health in a whole new way, encouraging you to take proactive steps toward a vibrant, healthy future.

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you approach your heart health.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction to Beatwise The Podcast

[1:03] Why Heart Disease Prevention Matters

[2:24] Recognizing and Reducing Major Risk Factors

[3:54] The “Silent Killers”: High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

[5:50] Small Lifestyle Changes, Big Heart Health Benefits

[8:39] Understanding “Heart Age” and Knowing Your Numbers

[20:41] Exploring the Role of Statins and Common Misconceptions

[23:41] From Prevention to Long-Term Health: Making It Last

[27:59] Why Exercise is Essential for a Healthy Heart

[30:26] Final Takeaways and a Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Beatwise Podcast, I sit down with Grace Gimson, co-founder and CEO of Holly Health, to explore how her innovative platform, Holly Health, is transforming preventative care.

From building a digital ecosystem that personalises wellness plans for sustainable lifestyle changes to working directly with primary care practices, Grace shares powerful insights into the future of healthcare.

We dive into Holly Health’s holistic approach, focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental well-being, and discuss how these elements are leading to real results - including fewer GP visits and better self-management for patients.

Grace also chats about Holly Health's expanding partnerships in areas like cardiac rehab, the growing role of AI in supporting chronic conditions, and the potential to elevate NHS services.

If you're curious about the intersections of digital health, patient empowerment, and the future of personalised care, this episode is packed with thought-provoking conversation and inspiration.

[0:00] - Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast

[0:48] - Meet Grace Gimsom

[2:37] - The Holly Health Story

[4:56] - How Holly Health Works

[9:17] - Real Impact

[11:27] - Mental Health and Medical Training

[12:16] - Expanding into Cardiac Rehab

[15:31] - AI in Healthcare

[18:09] - Personalized Health Plans

[19:54] - Empowering Self-Care

[22:34] - Success Stories

[23:27] - Looking Ahead

• Holly Health website
• Connect with Holly Health on X
• Connect with Holly Health on Instagram
• Connect with Holly Health on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered how health information spreads through both traditional and social media?

In this episode, I sit down with Rod Whiting, a media trainer and communications coach with over 40 years of experience as a broadcaster and journalist. Rod spent 25 years at the BBC as both a reporter and presenter, and now hosts a weekend show on Boom Radio. He’s also the founder and administrator of the popular Facebook group ‘Loving Your Garden’, which has over 450,000 members worldwide. Together, we explore how health information is communicated through both traditional and social media.

Rod shares his insights on the evolution of journalism, from reactive reporting to original, proactive storytelling. We also cover how social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter are reshaping the way people consume health news - and the challenges of navigating misinformation in this space.

Throughout the conversation, we share practical tips on building credible relationships with media professionals, how to pitch stories, and the power of simple, engaging storytelling to make health messages stick. Plus, we offer actionable strategies for healthcare professionals looking to stand out in the crowded digital space and connect with the public on a more personal level.

Whether you're a healthcare professional or just curious about the role media plays in shaping health conversations, this episode is full of insights you don’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome to the Beatwise Podcast

[00:36] The evolving role of journalists in healthcare

[01:43] Different types of journalism and their impact

[02:46] How to build strong media contacts in healthcare

[04:36] The challenges of condensing complex health information

[06:54] Best practices for pitching healthcare stories to journalists

[08:12] The rise and influence of social media on health news

[12:45] Navigating the world of misinformation on social media

[13:54] The power of direct messaging for building credibility

[14:17] Researching and verifying credibility on social media platforms

[15:59] Why following the right people on social media matters

[17:19] Social media challenges for healthcare professionals

[18:58] Rod’s favorite healthcare professionals to follow online

[19:37] The portrayal of healthcare in mainstream media

[22:31] How to tell an effective, relatable story in healthcare

[24:31] Engaging with mainstream media to improve healthcare communication

[25:03] Closing thoughts: Bridging the gap between healthcare and media

• If you’d like to learn more about the media training offered by Rod Whiting, you can reach out to him via his website here!

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Beatwise The Podcast!

In this special episode, we’re tackling one of the most important aspects of managing your heart health - what questions should you ask your cardiologist?

I’m joined by Dr. Kaushika Rautray, who plays the role of a patient eager to learn the top 10 questions that will help you get the most out of your appointments. Together, we break down these key questions, explaining why they’re crucial and offering expert advice on how to ask them.

From understanding heart disease risks to managing medications, and how to ask the right questions that lead to a better treatment plan., this episode is packed with insights that will empower you to take charge of your heart health.

Whether you're preparing for your first cardiologist visit or just want to stay on top of your heart care, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast

[00:19] Introducing Dr. Kaushika Rautray

[00:36] Breaking down barriers in patient-doctor communication

[01:51] Understanding heart failure: Symptoms and diagnosis

[05:03] Empowering patients with lifestyle changes and treatment options

[09:08] The importance of medication adherence

[12:23] Should you stop heart medications on your own?

[13:42] Handling acute heart events safely

[16:12] Driving with heart conditions: What to know

[17:36] Staying active while managing heart disease

[20:02] Traveling and holidays with heart conditions

[22:03] Empowering patients to ask the right questions

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Beatwise The Podcast!

Have you ever felt your heart race, skip a beat or flutter unexpectedly?

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Professor Sabine Ernst, a leading expert in cardiac electrophysiology, to dive deep into the world of heart arrhythmias and how they’re diagnosed and treated.

We discuss the common symptoms of palpitations and why they should never be ignored. Professor Ernst explains how ECGs (electrocardiograms) play a crucial role in detecting arrhythmias and the rise of wearable ECG devices for early detection. We cover the most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), and explore its symptoms, risks, and treatment options - including catheter ablation, a groundbreaking procedure that’s changing lives.

In addition to discussing traditional and cutting-edge treatments, Professor Ernst shares exciting new advancements in heart care, like using the arm for certain heart procedures and the growing potential of AI in crafting personalised treatments. Towards the end of the episode, we also touch on her personal journey as a female physician breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, offering inspiration for anyone pursuing a career in medicine.

Whether you're curious about your heart health or want to learn more about the future of cardiology, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome to the Beatwise Podcast

[00:27] What are palpitations, and why do they happen?

[02:09] How ECGs detect heart arrhythmias, and why wearable devices matter

[05:33] Different types of arrhythmias explained and their risks

[07:41] Atrial fibrillation (AF): Symptoms, risks, and diagnosis

[16:13] How catheter ablation works and its life-changing benefits

[26:54] Exciting innovations in arrhythmia treatments, from AI to new procedures

[34:21] Breaking the bias: Professor Ernst’s experience as a female doctor in cardiology

[37:12] Conclusion and key takeaways on managing arrhythmias

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Beatwise The Podcast!

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. David Ferreira, a renowned Australian cardiologist, to explore the real necessity of fasting before cardiac procedures.

We dive into current medical guidelines, the historical reasoning behind them, and the surprising evidence from the recent SCOFF trial that challenges these long-standing practices. You’ll be intrigued to hear why skipping fasting might actually benefit patients' health and improve their overall satisfaction.

Dr. Ferreira and I also examine how these groundbreaking findings could reshape policy and change the way we approach patient care in the future. We also discuss the importance of questioning traditional medical procedures and how a more compassionate approach can lead to better patient outcomes.

If you've ever wondered about the "why" behind medical guidelines or are curious about the future of cardiac care, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] – Introduction and a warm welcome to Dr. David Ferreira

[00:49] – Quick overview of today’s fascinating topic on fasting and cardiac care

[01:31] – Breaking down the history and status quo of fasting before procedures

[05:56] – Real-world patient experiences: the challenges and discomfort of fasting

[08:40] – Unpacking the SCOF Trial: How the study was designed and what it revealed

[16:20] – What the findings mean for future policies and best practices in medicine

[21:30] – Fun facts and personal insights from Dr. Ferreira's career in cardiology

[25:47] – Key takeaways: Why it’s time to rethink fasting before procedures

[27:38] – Final thoughts, closing remarks, and a call to action to subscribe and share

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Beatwise The Podcast!

In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Professor Marianna Fontana from the National Amyloidosis Center as we dive deep into the world of cardiac amyloidosis.

Together, we explore this complex condition, breaking down the two main types—ATTR and AL amyloidosis. Professor Fontana brings her knowledge to explain the symptoms and the critical importance of early diagnosis in managing the disease effectively.

We also highlight her leadership in the groundbreaking Helios B study, offering new hope for those suffering from cardiomyopathy. If you’re curious about how clinical trials are shaping the future of amyloidosis treatment, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Join us as we explore everything from patient experiences to future breakthroughs, and discover how research is paving the way for better patient outcomes.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction to Cardiac Amyloidosis

[00:24] Meet Professor Marianna Fontana

[01:05] Understanding Amyloidosis

[02:05] The Types of Cardiac Amyloidosis: ATTR vs. AL

[07:59] Key Symptoms and the Diagnosis Process

[19:08] When and How Patients Are Referred for Treatment

[23:56] The Groundbreaking Helios B Study and Its Impact

[30:07] Insights into Patient Experiences and Future Treatment Directions

[32:30] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Beatwise The Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Nikola Srnic, a medical student from Alberta, Canada, currently pursuing a PhD at Oxford. Together, we explore a fascinating question: does your heart really care about the fat you eat?

We dive into the science behind dietary fats - good vs. bad fats -and how they impact your heart and liver health. Nikola shares ground-breaking insights from his research, revealing the surprising truth about how different fats affect the body.

We also touch on the importance of making informed food choices, the challenges in the Canadian healthcare system, and practical advice for improving cardiovascular health.

Whether you're curious about your diet or simply want to learn more about fats and heart health, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could change the way you eat!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to today’s topic and guest, Nikola Cernik

[01:34] - Breaking down what's really in our food

[03:34] - Good fats vs. bad fats—what you need to know

[08:22] - The real impact of different fats on your heart and liver

[10:35] - Nikola’s groundbreaking research on dietary fats

[24:43] - Practical takeaways for a heart-healthy diet

[26:36] - Challenges within the Canadian healthcare system

[29:28] - Final thoughts and actionable advice for your health

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.