

Heart Podcast
BMJ Group
The Heart Podcast is your go-to source for the latest insights and developments in cardiovascular medicine. Each episode features in-depth interviews with renowned authors and leading experts in the field, delving into the latest advances in cardiovascular research and treatments.
Heart - heart.bmj.com - is a renowned international journal from the BMJ Group and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) dedicated to publishing research and reviews on cardiovascular disease. Stay ahead in your field by tuning into our expert discussions and accessing cutting-edge information.
Subscribe now or listen on your favourite podcast platform to elevate your understanding of cardiovascular medicine. The Heart podcast is published every other Tuesday.
Podcast hosted by:
James Rudd, Digital Media Editor, University of Cambridge
Heart - heart.bmj.com - is a renowned international journal from the BMJ Group and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) dedicated to publishing research and reviews on cardiovascular disease. Stay ahead in your field by tuning into our expert discussions and accessing cutting-edge information.
Subscribe now or listen on your favourite podcast platform to elevate your understanding of cardiovascular medicine. The Heart podcast is published every other Tuesday.
Podcast hosted by:
James Rudd, Digital Media Editor, University of Cambridge
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 27min
Current and Future Applications of Photon-Counting Computer Tomography in Cardiovascular Medicine
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Prof. Filippo Cademartiri from Naples, Italy. They discuss all aspects of this emerging CT technology that promises lower radiation imaging, with higher resolution and excellent in-stent imaging, but at a significant cost in terms of hardware. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a positive review wherever you get your podcasts. It helps us to reach more people - thanks!
Link to published paper:
https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2025/05/14/heartjnl-2025-325790

Jul 29, 2025 • 19min
Mechanical circulatory support for patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock: a state-of-the-art review
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Prof. Jacob Eifer Moller from Odense, Denmark. They discuss his review paper on mechanical circulatory support and some of the supporting guidelines and papers in this area. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a positive review wherever you get your podcasts. It helps us to reach more people - thanks!
Link to published paper:
https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2025/01/15/heartjnl-2024-324883

Jul 15, 2025 • 14min
Can we use cardiac MRI alone to exclude ischaemic cardiomyopathy in patients with heart failure?
Dr. Louis-Marie Desroches, an interventional cardiologist and clinical researcher from Reunion Island, discusses the pivotal role of cardiac MRI in diagnosing heart failure. He highlights how relying solely on this technology can lead to missed diagnoses and undertreatment. Desroches emphasizes integrating MRI with other diagnostic tools to optimize patient care. The conversation touches on the challenges of obtaining accurate results, including the notable sensitivity issues and the need for standardized image quality in cardiac evaluations.

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Inflammation in coronary atherosclerosis
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Dr Salvatore Brugaletta from Barcelona, Spain. They discuss the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis, how to detect it using imaging and biomarkers, and promising drugs in the pipeline to reduce inflammation levels. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a positive review wherever you get your podcasts. It helps us to reach more people - thanks!
Link to published paper: https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2025/03/25/heartjnl-2024-325408

Jun 17, 2025 • 21min
Pericardial complications after heart surgery
Join Dr. Alireza Malektojari, a newly minted MD and evidence-based medicine advocate, and Dr. Tyler Pitre, a budding respirology fellow with a knack for network analysis, as they delve into preventing pericardial complications after heart surgery. They dissect common issues like effusions and pericarditis, revealing innovative treatment strategies. Their network meta-analysis uncovers the potential of colchicine and beta blockers, aiming to refine clinical guidelines and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in cardiovascular care.

Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
Adverse events in pregnancy and future cardiovascular risk
Dr. Garima Sharma, a Cardiologist and Director of Women's Cardiovascular Health at Inova Health System, highlights the crucial link between adverse pregnancy outcomes and future cardiovascular risks. She discusses how conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy can elevate these risks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early screening and a collaborative healthcare approach to mitigate these dangers. Dr. Sharma also touches on integrating mental health into pregnancy care, underlining its impact on both maternal and cardiovascular well-being.

May 20, 2025 • 20min
How the brain impacts the heart: lessons from ischaemic stroke and other neurological disorders
Dr. Jan Scheitz, a vascular neurologist at Charité University Hospital, explores the critical link between the brain and heart, especially post-stroke. He dives into how neurological events can trigger cardiovascular complications, such as stroke heart syndrome. The conversation highlights the alarming rates of cardiac issues after ischemic strokes and discusses monitoring strategies. Scheitz also advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient care, emphasizing the need for further research in understanding and preventing these interconnected health challenges.

May 6, 2025 • 21min
Modern genetics in cardiology
Professor Philippe Charron, a leading expert at Pitié-Salpêtria Hospital in Paris, sheds light on the intricate dance between genetics and heart health. He delves into the nuances of monogenic versus complex hereditary disorders, addressing the hurdles cardiologists face in accurate diagnoses. The importance and ethics of genetic testing take center stage, revealing how next-generation sequencing can transform patient care. With costs and accessibility as key concerns, Charron advocates for better integration of genetic testing in cardiology to enhance treatment and family health.

Apr 22, 2025 • 10min
Walking speed and future arrhythmia
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Professor Jill Pell from the University of Glasgow. They discuss her team's paper on walking speed and the risk of future arrhythmia. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a positive review wherever you get your podcasts. It helps us to reach more people - thanks!
Link to published paper:
https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2025/04/10/heartjnl-2024-325004

Apr 8, 2025 • 14min
Age of menopause, healthy lifestyle and cardiovascular disease in women: a prospective cohort study
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Dr Sarah Zaman from the University of Sydney. They discuss the interactions between age of menopause, healthy lifestyle and subsequent cardiovascular disease. If you enjoy the show, please help us and leave us a podcast review wherever you get your podcasts - thanks!
Link to published paper:
https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2024/12/16/heartjnl-2024-324602