Beatwise The Podcast

Heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic disease are deeply interconnected, yet healthcare systems have traditionally treated them as separate conditions. In this episode of Beatwise, I’m joined by Dr Andrew Frankel, Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, to explore why cardiorenal metabolic (CRM) medicine is transforming how we care for patients.We discuss the shared biology linking heart, kidney and metabolic disease, why "creatinine fear" continues to prevent optimal treatment, and how therapies such as SGLT2 inhibitors, finerenone and GLP-1 receptor agonists are reshaping outcomes across multiple specialties.We also explore the future of integrated cardiorenal care, including multidisciplinary services, workforce education, patient-centred CRM hubs and what healthcare systems need to do next to improve outcomes while reducing fragmentation of care.Key topics discussed: Why cardiorenal metabolic disease should be viewed as a single disease process rather than separate conditionsThe common pathophysiology linking heart failure, CKD and metabolic diseaseThe problem with "creatinine fear" and premature discontinuation of life-saving therapiesThe four pillars of modern cardiorenal metabolic treatmentPractical prescribing tips for SGLT2 inhibitors, including eGFR thresholds and sick day rulesHyperkalaemia as a barrier to guideline-directed medical therapy and how to overcome itThe role of finerenone and non-steroidal MRAs in cardiorenal careWhy GLP-1 receptor agonists offer benefits far beyond weight lossHow integrated cardiorenal services can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costsThe future of CRM hubs and one-stop multidisciplinary care pathwaysAbout my guest:Dr Andrew Frankel is a Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and a leading advocate for integrated kidney care, cardiorenal medicine and workforce education. He is also co-host of the educational podcast For Kidneys' Sake, which provides practical updates on chronic kidney disease and cardiorenal metabolic care.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:29 Why Cardiorenal Medicine Matters03:14 Creatinine Fear and GFR Misconceptions04:31 The Four Pillars of Cardiorenal Therapy07:53 Practical Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors10:58 Hyperkalaemia as a Barrier to Treatment14:22 Building Integrated Cardiorenal Services19:04 Specialist Roles and Shared Care20:40 GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and New Weight-Loss Therapies23:33 Lifestyle Medicine and CRM Hubs26:28 Closing Reflections28:41 Final Thanks and SubscribeIf 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!

In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I speak with Dr Archana Ganapathy about a problem we don’t talk about enough in heart failure: congestion that we can’t properly see.Many patients leave hospital still fluid overloaded at a tissue level - despite looking “better” clinically. And that gap is part of why readmissions and outcomes remain poor. We discuss why current tools - from clinical exam to imaging and biomarkers - often fall short, and why understanding where fluid sits in the body matters just as much as how much is there.We then explore bioimpedance: what it is, how it works at the bedside, and why it may offer a more objective way to guide treatment. Dr Ganapathy also shares early insights from the BioHF trial, including what happens when fluid management is guided by measurement rather than estimation.For further context, Dr Ganapathy’s recent review on congestion assessment in decompensated heart failure is linked here: Advances in Congestion Assessment in Decompensated Heart FailureKey issues addressed: Why “hidden” congestion is so common in heart failureThe limitations of weight, BNP, imaging and clinical examWhy fluid distribution mattersHow bioimpedance works in practiceEarly findings from the BioHF trialIf you care for patients with heart failure - or live with it - this is worth understanding.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 Hidden congestion problem02:00 Why assessment falls short05:05 Fluid location matters07:02 Promise of bioimpedance08:54 How bioimpedance works13:06 BioHF trial design17:16 Early findings & future impact22:29 Recruitment & next steps23:06 Wrap upIf 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!Thank you to Maltron International Limited for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I speak with Helen Kilminster - Senior Pharmacist ACP and Deputy PCN Clinical Director -  about a part of heart failure care that is often overlooked: coding. We explore a part of heart failure care that is often overlooked: coding. Not as an administrative task - but as something that directly shapes patient outcomes. Because if heart failure isn’t coded accurately, it often isn’t fully visible. Patients are missed, risk isn’t under-recognised, and opportunities for earlier intervention are lost.We discuss how coding underpins everything from diagnosis to commissioning - and why small inconsistencies in how heart failure is recorded can have system-wide consequences. Helen shares how practices are identifying missed patients through NT-proBNP testing and case-finding, how coding supports risk stratification alongside comorbidities, and why clearer communication between cardiology and primary care is essential.We also explore the challenges of inconsistent terminology, and the importance of correctly coding NICE-defined heart failure subtypes - HFrEF, mildly reduced EF, and HFpEF - to ensure patients receive appropriate care.Key issues addressed:Why heart failure coding directly affects diagnosis and outcomesHow GP coding systems work in practiceThe problem of inconsistent terminology across care settingsWhy NICE heart failure subtypes need to be clearly codedUsing NT-proBNP and case-finding to identify missed patientsHow coding informs funding, commissioning, and service designTools to support better codingThe role of communication between primary and secondary careThis episode is produced in collaboration with the British Society for Heart Failure.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 Why coding matters01:40 How GP coding works04:33 Finding missed heart failure06:20 Sharing codes across care08:27 Contracts and subtypes11:49 Defining heart failure types13:48 Tools for better coding17:35 Funding and commissioning23:54 NHS reform and teams28:59 Patient impact and equity33:23 Practical coding tips37:05 Final takeawaysFURTHER LEARNING:NICE GuidanceOpenPrescribingOpenCodelistsBritish Society for Heart FailureIf 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!

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 breathlessnesscarpal tunnel syndromeneuropathykidney problemsand the finding of a “thick heart” on cardiac imagingBeyond 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 Beatwise01:01 Paul’s Diagnosis Story03:32 Living With Limitations06:24 Why Early Diagnosis Matters07:36 Red Flags and Patient Voice09:34 How the Charity Helps11:09 Research and Clinical Trials13:46 Symptoms and Hospital Journey17:05 Reassurance After Diagnosis21:01 Holistic Care and Rehab24:11 Call to Action and Charities30:05 Final Takeaways and ThanksIf 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!

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 Podcast00:58 Meeting the founders of Surviving in Scrubs02:38 How Surviving in Scrubs began06:33 The scale of sexism and sexual harassment in healthcare15:32 Impact on healthcare professionals and patient care18:07 Progress so far and future goals24:46 What individuals and institutions can do30:28 Key takeaways and closing reflectionsIf 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!

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.In this episode, we discuss:What atrial fibrillation is and how it affects the heartCommon symptoms and how AF is diagnosedMedication options for rhythm and rate controlWhy anticoagulation is so important for stroke preventionCardioversion, AF ablation, and pace-and-ablate - what these procedures involveThe link between atrial fibrillation and heart failureHow lifestyle and risk factor management can support AF treatmentWhy AF progression and treatment look different for every patientEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 – Introduction to atrial fibrillation01:12 – What atrial fibrillation is and how it develops01:45 – Medications used in AF management06:24 – Risk factors and anticoagulation09:36 – Procedural treatment options for AF19:10 – Atrial fibrillation and heart failure22:43 – The patient journey and prevention strategies25:15 – Key takeaways27:45 – Closing thoughts and next stepsIf 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!

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 Podcast00:21: Introducing Prof. Vass Vassiliou00:59: COVID-19: More Than a Respiratory Disease01:56: What We Know About Cardiac Long COVID04:01: Common Symptoms and Red Flags06:46: Lifestyle & Rehab: Supporting Recovery09:08: The Role of Vaccination in Reducing Risk11:47: Key Takeaways from the ESC Consensus Statement14:49: Final ThoughtsIf 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!

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 actionIf 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!