In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Alicja Jasinska Piadlo, a cardiology specialist registrar at Southern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland, for an in-depth conversation about heart failure. 

Together, we discuss the complexities of this common but often misunderstood condition, offering practical advice for patients and their loved ones. From understanding the basics of heart failure and its different types to navigating your first clinic visit, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights to help you take charge of your heart health.

We discuss the critical role of lifestyle changes - like adopting a low-sodium diet and quitting smoking - and dive into the "four pillars" of heart failure medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, MRAs, and SGLT2 inhibitors. 

Dr. Alicja emphasizes the importance of understanding your ejection fraction and shares why it’s essential to prepare for appointments with the right questions and medical records in hand. Plus, we hint at exciting future discussions, like device therapies, that you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone looking to better understand or manage heart failure!

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Introduction to Beatwise The Podcast

[00:22] - Meet the Experts: Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer and Dr. Alicja Jasinska Piadlo

[01:31] - Understanding Heart Failure: Basics and causes explained

[02:35] - Types of Heart Failure: Why knowing the difference matters

[05:23] - Your First Clinic Visit: What patients should expect and prepare

[08:40] - Lifestyle Changes: Practical advice for heart failure patients

[13:17] - Medications for Heart Failure: The four pillars of treatment

[21:15] - Raising Awareness: Early detection and prevention tips

[24:17] - Empowering Patients: Questions to ask and what’s coming next

[27:42] - Conclusion: Takeaways and future episode teasers

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