In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I speak with Paul Pozzo, a leading patient advocate and former chair of Amyloidosis UK. Paul shares his experience living with wild-type amyloidosis, from the challenges of delayed diagnosis to becoming a powerful voice for patients in research and healthcare advocacy.

Diagnosed in 2015 at a time when no disease-modifying drugs were available, Paul was initially treated with standard heart failure therapies before later joining clinical trials that helped stabilize his condition and improve his quality of life.

Together, we explore the critical role of patient advocacy in rare diseases, the need for earlier diagnosis, and how research participation is helping transform outcomes for people with amyloidosis.

We also discuss the importance of recognising early warning signs, including:

• unexplained breathlessness
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• neuropathy
• kidney problems
• and the finding of a “thick heart” on cardiac imaging

Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the conversation highlights the need for holistic care, including multidisciplinary support, cardiac rehabilitation, and attention to mental wellbeing. Paul also explains how patient organisations like Amyloidosis UK provide vital support through education, community connections, and advocacy, helping patients and families navigate what can often be a complex and isolating diagnosis.

This episode is an important reminder that patient voices play a crucial role in shaping research, improving care pathways, and raising awareness of rare cardiac conditions.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Welcome to Beatwise

01:01 Paul’s Diagnosis Story

03:32 Living With Limitations

06:24 Why Early Diagnosis Matters

07:36 Red Flags and Patient Voice

09:34 How the Charity Helps

11:09 Research and Clinical Trials

13:46 Symptoms and Hospital Journey

17:05 Reassurance After Diagnosis

21:01 Holistic Care and Rehab

24:11 Call to Action and Charities

30:05 Final Takeaways and Thanks

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!

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In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I, Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer, explore the uncomfortable but essential topic of sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in healthcare. I am joined by Dr. Becky Cox and Dr. Chelcie Jewitt, founders of Surviving in Scrubs, a movement created to expose and address sexual misconduct within medical training and clinical environments.

Together, we discuss the realities many healthcare professionals face behind closed doors - from everyday sexism to serious violations - and why these experiences so often go unreported. The conversation examines the scale of the problem, the systemic and cultural factors that allow it to persist, and the real consequences for staff wellbeing, workforce retention, and patient care. Dr. Cox and Dr. Jewitt also share how Surviving in Scrubs began, what the data tells us, and what meaningful change actually looks like - from safer reporting mechanisms to institutional accountability and allyship.

This episode is a call to awareness, responsibility, and action for individuals, organisations, and the healthcare system as a whole.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Beatwise The Podcast

00:58 Meeting the founders of Surviving in Scrubs

02:38 How Surviving in Scrubs began

06:33 The scale of sexism and sexual harassment in healthcare

15:32 Impact on healthcare professionals and patient care

18:07 Progress so far and future goals

24:46 What individuals and institutions can do

30:28 Key takeaways and closing reflections

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!

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm conditions, yet it’s often misunderstood and overwhelming for patients when they first hear the diagnosis. In this episode of Beatwise the Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Steuden, consultant electrophysiologist, to break down what atrial fibrillation really means, how it’s treated, and what patients can expect at each stage of their journey.

Together, we explain the different treatment options - from medications to procedures such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, and pace-and-ablate - and discuss how decisions are tailored to each individual. We also cover the crucial role of anticoagulation in stroke prevention, how AF can interact with heart failure, and the importance of lifestyle factors in managing symptoms and long-term risk.

This episode is designed to give patients and families clear, evidence-based information, so they feel informed, reassured, and better equipped to take part in decisions about their care.

• What atrial fibrillation is and how it affects the heart
• Common symptoms and how AF is diagnosed
• Medication options for rhythm and rate control
• Why anticoagulation is so important for stroke prevention
• Cardioversion, AF ablation, and pace-and-ablate - what these procedures involve
• The link between atrial fibrillation and heart failure
• How lifestyle and risk factor management can support AF treatment
• Why AF progression and treatment look different for every patient

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 – Introduction to atrial fibrillation

01:12 – What atrial fibrillation is and how it develops

01:45 – Medications used in AF management

06:24 – Risk factors and anticoagulation

09:36 – Procedural treatment options for AF

19:10 – Atrial fibrillation and heart failure

22:43 – The patient journey and prevention strategies

25:15 – Key takeaways

27:45 – Closing thoughts and next steps

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!

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In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I, Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer, am joined by Prof. Vass Vassiliou, cardiologist and lead author of the European Society of Cardiology’s Consensus Statement on Cardiovascular Disease in COVID-19. Together, we unpack what we now know about the cardiac consequences of COVID-19 and why the heart deserves as much attention as the lungs when it comes to long COVID.

We discuss the misconception that COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease and outline the growing evidence showing its significant cardiovascular impact. From chest pain and breathlessness to prolonged fatigue and dysautonomia-type symptoms, we explore how cardiac long COVID presents, who is most at risk, and what clinicians should be watching for.

The conversation also covers practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting heart health after COVID-19, including lifestyle measures, structured cardiac rehabilitation, and the protective role of vaccination. Prof. Vassiliou breaks down key insights from the ESC Consensus Statement and highlights what patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers need to understand as cases of long COVID continue to evolve.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00: Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast

00:21: Introducing Prof. Vass Vassiliou

00:59: COVID-19: More Than a Respiratory Disease

01:56: What We Know About Cardiac Long COVID

04:01: Common Symptoms and Red Flags

06:46: Lifestyle & Rehab: Supporting Recovery

09:08: The Role of Vaccination in Reducing Risk

11:47: Key Takeaways from the ESC Consensus Statement

14:49: 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!

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In this episode of Beatwise the Podcast, I’m joined by Carys Barton, consultant nurse and chair-elect of the British Society for Heart Failure, to unpack the updated NICE guidelines on heart failure. With nearly a million people in the UK living with heart failure, this guidance marks a major step forward - not just for specialists, but for GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and allied healthcare professionals alike.

We explore how the new recommendations aim to streamline diagnosis, prioritise early intervention, and strengthen the role of multidisciplinary teams in patient care. Carys brings valuable frontline insight into what this all means for clinical practice - highlighting the growing importance of patient education, holistic treatment strategies, and how to implement innovative therapies like those for HFpEF. If you're involved in heart failure management or want to understand the future of collaborative cardiovascular care, this one’s for you.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] - Welcome to Beatwise the Podcast

[0:23] - Why the updated NICE heart failure guidance matters now

[0:40] - Introducing Carys Barton and her role in UK heart failure leadership

[1:15] - Ongoing challenges in diagnosing and managing heart failure

[4:19] - What’s new in the NICE guidelines - and why it’s a big deal

[5:22] - The growing role of primary care in early detection and management

[6:40] - How multidisciplinary care is reshaping heart failure treatment

[11:37] - Empowering patients through education and self-care

[12:54] - New therapies for HFpEF and how they fit into real-world care

[15:00] - Collaboration between primary care and allied health professionals

[28:32] - Overcoming barriers in delivering guideline-based care

[31:12] - Final reflections and calls 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!

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

In this episode of Beatwise the Podcast, I’m joined by Carys Barton, consultant nurse and chair-elect of the British Society for Heart Failure, to unpack the updated NICE guidelines on heart failure. With nearly a million people in the UK living with heart failure, this guidance marks a major step forward - not just for specialists, but for GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and allied healthcare professionals alike.

We explore how the new recommendations aim to streamline diagnosis, prioritise early intervention, and strengthen the role of multidisciplinary teams in patient care. Carys brings valuable frontline insight into what this all means for clinical practice - highlighting the growing importance of patient education, holistic treatment strategies, and how to implement innovative therapies like those for HFpEF. If you're involved in heart failure management or want to understand the future of collaborative cardiovascular care, this one’s for you.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] - Welcome to Beatwise the Podcast

[0:23] - Why the updated NICE heart failure guidance matters now

[0:40] - Introducing Carys Barton and her role in UK heart failure leadership

[1:15] - Ongoing challenges in diagnosing and managing heart failure

[4:19] - What’s new in the NICE guidelines - and why it’s a big deal

[5:22] - The growing role of primary care in early detection and management

[6:40] - How multidisciplinary care is reshaping heart failure treatment

[11:37] - Empowering patients through education and self-care

[12:54] - New therapies for HFpEF and how they fit into real-world care

[15:00] - Collaboration between primary care and allied health professionals

[28:32] - Overcoming barriers in delivering guideline-based care

[31:12] - Final reflections and calls 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!

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

In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Carol Whelan, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital and chair-elect of the British Society for Heart Failure, to delve into one of the most under-recognised yet critical aspects of heart failure management: cardiac amyloidosis. We discuss why early detection of amyloidosis is absolutely vital, how to spot red flags, and what practical steps we can take to embed amyloidosis pathways into everyday heart failure care.

Whether you're a clinician, a healthcare leader, or simply passionate about improving cardiac care, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on standardising testing, creating equitable care models, and leveraging multidisciplinary teams. We also explore the latest in treatments, emerging research, and the powerful role of national societies in driving change. Tune in for actionable insights that can transform patient outcomes in heart failure services.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:00] - Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast and intro to today’s focus on cardiac amyloidosis

[01:12] - Why amyloidosis deserves a central place in heart failure services

[01:50] - Exploring current and emerging treatments for cardiac amyloidosis

[04:59] - Addressing geographical disparities in access to care

[07:35] - The core elements of a well-structured heart failure pathway

[10:40] - Recognising the early signs and clinical red flags of amyloidosis

[12:43] - Why multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in amyloidosis care

[13:37] - Dr. Whelan's personal journey and recent advancements in treatment

[18:49] - What the future holds for amyloidosis care and ongoing research

[20:24] - The leadership role of the British Society for Heart Failure

[26:50] - Final thoughts and calls 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!

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In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I sit down with leading cardiologist and clinical researcher Dr. Louise Segan to explore a groundbreaking question: Can patients with heart failure actually recover heart function through targeted treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)?

We dive into the fascinating findings of the Withdraw HF study, which investigates heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation and examines whether their heart function can improve enough to reduce - or even withdraw - heart failure medication. Dr. Segan shares insights into personalized treatment strategies, the role of rhythm control in AF-mediated cardiomyopathy, and what this could mean for the future of heart failure care.

Whether you're a clinician, a researcher, or someone personally impacted by AF or heart failure, this episode offers cutting-edge research and practical takeaways that could reshape how we think about heart recovery.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] - Welcome to Beatwise: Introducing the episode and guest, Dr. Louise Segan

[1:09] - What is atrial fibrillation and how does it relate to heart failure?

[5:08] - Understanding AF-mediated cardiomyopathy and its management challenges

[8:59] - Inside the Withdraw HF study: why it was launched and how it was designed

[14:10] - What the results reveal about heart function recovery and medication withdrawal

[23:50] - Why ongoing monitoring and individualized care are essential for long-term success

[29:17] - Final thoughts on the future of personalized heart failure treatment

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!

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What happens when a rare condition silently disrupts a life - and no one can figure out what’s wrong? In this powerful episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I sit down with Sam Jarrett, a courageous woman navigating the complex world of amyloidosis - a rare and often misdiagnosed disease that affects the body’s organs and tissues.

Together, we explore Sam’s personal and emotional path to diagnosis after months of unexplained symptoms and frustration within the healthcare system. She opens up about her life-changing experience at the National Amyloidosis Centre in London, the hope she found through participation in a clinical trial, and what she wants others living with rare diseases to know. Whether you're a medical professional, caregiver, or someone seeking answers, this episode offers deep insight into the importance of early detection, patient advocacy, and the evolving landscape of amyloidosis treatment.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:00] Introduction to amyloidosis and why awareness matters

[01:42] The beginning of Sam’s journey: symptoms and misdiagnoses

[05:11] What exactly is amyloidosis? A simplified breakdown

[10:56] Inside the National Amyloidosis Centre: care that changed everything

[19:34] The power of clinical trials in rare disease treatment

[26:32] Living well with amyloidosis: support, care, and hope

[34:40] Final thoughts and what we can all learn from Sam’s story

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!

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In this episode of Beatwise the Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Edgar Argulian, a cardiologist from Mount Sinai Morningside in New York and senior author of a compelling new study published in European Heart Journal – Imaging Methods and Practice. We dive into a fascinating and often overlooked issue in cardiology: what happens when patients present with chest pain and abnormal stress echocardiograms, but their angiograms show no major coronary blockages?

This conversation sheds light on the reality of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (iNOCAD) and microvascular angina, conditions especially common in women and frequently misdiagnosed or minimized. We explore the significance of these findings, the diagnostic challenges, and why we must take these patients seriously. Dr. Argulian also shares how clinicians can better identify at-risk patients and what lifestyle and treatment strategies can truly make a difference.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] Welcome to Beatwise and today’s topic

[0:50] Meet Dr. Edgar Argulian and overview of the study

[2:20] What is Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (iNOCAD)?

[3:13] Recognizing the symptoms and diagnostic pitfalls

[7:25] What the study reveals about stress echo abnormalities

[10:03] Key takeaways for patients and healthcare providers

[16:19] Understanding the underlying causes and treatment options

[17:43] Why patient advocacy, especially for women, matters

[22:24] Final thoughts and future directions in heart health research

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!

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