Heart Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

In this discussion, Dr. Ify Mordi, a Consultant cardiologist and senior lecturer at the University of Dundee, sheds light on heart failure diagnosis. He emphasizes the growing prevalence of heart failure and the critical need for early diagnosis to boost patient recovery. The conversation dives into the importance of outpatient diagnosis, which can significantly reduce rehospitalization rates. Dr. Mordi also explores how innovative healthcare systems in Scotland improve tracking patient outcomes and highlights government initiatives to enhance community access to essential diagnostics.

Andrew Black, an interventional cardiologist from Royal Hobart Hospital and a researcher at the Menzies Institute, dives into the world of rapid access chest pain clinics. He discusses the critical importance of timely assessments and how these clinics can streamline patient care. The conversation highlights varying global practices and emphasizes the need for updated evidence to validate their effectiveness. With a focus on nurse-led models showing promising results, this discussion sheds light on the future of chest pain management.

Anvesha Singh, an academic cardiologist and expert in cardiac imaging at the University of Leicester, joins the discussion on aortic stenosis treatments. They dive into the rise of TAVI over SAVR and the varying outcomes based on sociodemographic factors. Singh highlights concerning disparities in treatment access among different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The conversation reveals unexpected findings on gender differences in treatment outcomes and underscores the need for better data to address these inequalities in cardiovascular care.

Attila Kardos, a consultant cardiologist and clinical lead at Milton Keynes University Hospital, shares his expertise on stress echocardiography and its role in diagnosing chest pain. He discusses the historical significance of this diagnostic tool and its inclusion in cardiovascular guidelines. The conversation dives into a meta-analysis revealing the long-term prognostic value of stress echo and its effectiveness compared to other cardiac imaging techniques. Attila highlights key findings from studies involving over 16,500 patients, emphasizing the importance of interpreting test results for managing cardiovascular risks.