🎉 Welcome to our marvellous podcast, powered by AI and driven by the voices of patients! 🎉

We’re thrilled to have you join us on this incredible journey of discovery, learning, and connection. And guess what? We’ve got something extra special for you—please give a warm welcome to our brand-new presenters, Fred and Daphne! 🎙️👏

Fred and Daphne are here to guide you through captivating stories, insightful discussions, and expert advice that’s both empowering and inspiring.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an essential topic: heart failure, also known as “heart inefficiency.” Together, we’ll uncover its causes, symptoms, and treatments, offering valuable insights for anyone affected by or curious about this condition.

We’ll break down the common symptoms, like fluid retention, extreme tiredness, breathlessness, and persistent coughing, and how they might sometimes be linked to other conditions like COPD. Plus, we’ll explore the underlying causes, from coronary heart disease and high blood pressure to factors like obesity, anemia, excessive alcohol consumption, and even high lung pressure.

You’ll learn about the importance of early diagnosis with tools like NT-proBNP blood tests, ECGs, ECHOs, and MRIs, and we’ll debunk the myth that a heart failure diagnosis means your heart is about to stop. Most importantly, we’ll stress that only a specialized heart failure cardiologist can provide an official diagnosis.

But that’s not all—this episode will dive into treatment options, self-management strategies, and the latest advancements in care. You’ll also hear moving stories from patients who’ve faced heart failure and gain insights from experts working on the cutting edge of heart health.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for an episode packed with knowledge, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s get started! 💓