Beatwise The Podcast

Sarah Birkhoelzer

Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer.  My mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare experts and patients, making cutting-edge medical research accessible and relevant to everyone.  Join me for engaging conversations, expert interviews, and practical advice that empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.  Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the latest advancements in healthcare.  Let's build a healthier future together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Episode #48: Why Coding Heart Failure Matters: From Clinic to the NHS

    3 DAYS AGO

    Episode #48: Why Coding Heart Failure Matters: From Clinic to the NHS

    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 care This episode is produced in collaboration with the British Society for Heart Failure. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why coding matters 01:40 How GP coding works 04:33 Finding missed heart failure 06:20 Sharing codes across care 08:27 Contracts and subtypes 11:49 Defining heart failure types 13:48 Tools for better coding 17:35 Funding and commissioning 23:54 NHS reform and teams 28:59 Patient impact and equity 33:23 Practical coding tips 37:05 Final takeaways FURTHER LEARNING: NICE GuidanceOpenPrescribingOpenCodelistsBritish Society for Heart Failure If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  2. Episode #47: Amplifying Patient Voices in Amyloidosis: Advocacy, Research & Earlier Diagnosis

    20 MAR

    Episode #47: Amplifying Patient Voices in Amyloidosis: Advocacy, Research & Earlier Diagnosis

    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 imaging Beyond 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 Beatwise 01:01 Paul’s Diagnosis Story 03:32 Living With Limitations 06:24 Why Early Diagnosis Matters 07:36 Red Flags and Patient Voice 09:34 How the Charity Helps 11:09 Research and Clinical Trials 13:46 Symptoms and Hospital Journey 17:05 Reassurance After Diagnosis 21:01 Holistic Care and Rehab 24:11 Call to Action and Charities 30:05 Final Takeaways and Thanks If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  3. Episode #46: Sexism in Healthcare Exposed: Surviving in Scrubs on Harassment, Power & Real Change

    6 FEB

    Episode #46: Sexism in Healthcare Exposed: Surviving in Scrubs on Harassment, Power & Real Change

    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 Podcast 00:58 Meeting the founders of Surviving in Scrubs 02:38 How Surviving in Scrubs began 06:33 The scale of sexism and sexual harassment in healthcare 15:32 Impact on healthcare professionals and patient care 18:07 Progress so far and future goals 24:46 What individuals and institutions can do 30:28 Key takeaways and closing reflections If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  4. Episode #45: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care Options

    23 JAN

    Episode #45: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care Options

    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 patient EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Introduction to atrial fibrillation 01:12 – What atrial fibrillation is and how it develops 01:45 – Medications used in AF management 06:24 – Risk factors and anticoagulation 09:36 – Procedural treatment options for AF 19:10 – Atrial fibrillation and heart failure 22:43 – The patient journey and prevention strategies 25:15 – Key takeaways 27:45 – Closing thoughts and next steps If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  5. Episode #44: Cardiac Long COVID: What the Latest Evidence Reveals About the Heart

    9 JAN

    Episode #44: Cardiac Long COVID: What the Latest Evidence Reveals About the Heart

    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 Podcast 00:21: Introducing Prof. Vass Vassiliou 00:59: COVID-19: More Than a Respiratory Disease 01:56: What We Know About Cardiac Long COVID 04:01: Common Symptoms and Red Flags 06:46: Lifestyle & Rehab: Supporting Recovery 09:08: The Role of Vaccination in Reducing Risk 11:47: Key Takeaways from the ESC Consensus Statement 14:49: Final Thoughts If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  6. Episode #43: Advancing Heart Failure Care: New NICE Guidelines and Multidisciplinary Team Strategies

    15/11/2025

    Episode #43: Advancing Heart Failure Care: New NICE Guidelines and Multidisciplinary Team Strategies

    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 action If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  7. Episode #42: From Recognition to Redesign: the Future of Amyloidosis Pathways

    07/11/2025

    Episode #42: From Recognition to Redesign: the Future of Amyloidosis Pathways

    In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Carol Whelan, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital and chair-elect of the British Society for Heart Failure, to delve into one of the most under-recognised yet critical aspects of heart failure management: cardiac amyloidosis. We discuss why early detection of amyloidosis is absolutely vital, how to spot red flags, and what practical steps we can take to embed amyloidosis pathways into everyday heart failure care. Whether you're a clinician, a healthcare leader, or simply passionate about improving cardiac care, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on standardising testing, creating equitable care models, and leveraging multidisciplinary teams. We also explore the latest in treatments, emerging research, and the powerful role of national societies in driving change. Tune in for actionable insights that can transform patient outcomes in heart failure services. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: [00:00] - Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast and intro to today’s focus on cardiac amyloidosis [01:12] - Why amyloidosis deserves a central place in heart failure services [01:50] - Exploring current and emerging treatments for cardiac amyloidosis [04:59] - Addressing geographical disparities in access to care [07:35] - The core elements of a well-structured heart failure pathway [10:40] - Recognising the early signs and clinical red flags of amyloidosis [12:43] - Why multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in amyloidosis care [13:37] - Dr. Whelan's personal journey and recent advancements in treatment [18:49] - What the future holds for amyloidosis care and ongoing research [20:24] - The leadership role of the British Society for Heart Failure [26:50] - Final thoughts and calls to action If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  8. Episode #41: The Science That’s Changing How We Treat Heart Failure Forever

    24/10/2025

    Episode #41: The Science That’s Changing How We Treat Heart Failure Forever

    In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I sit down with leading cardiologist and clinical researcher Dr. Louise Segan to explore a groundbreaking question: Can patients with heart failure actually recover heart function through targeted treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)? We dive into the fascinating findings of the Withdraw HF study, which investigates heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation and examines whether their heart function can improve enough to reduce - or even withdraw - heart failure medication. Dr. Segan shares insights into personalized treatment strategies, the role of rhythm control in AF-mediated cardiomyopathy, and what this could mean for the future of heart failure care. Whether you're a clinician, a researcher, or someone personally impacted by AF or heart failure, this episode offers cutting-edge research and practical takeaways that could reshape how we think about heart recovery. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: [0:00] - Welcome to Beatwise: Introducing the episode and guest, Dr. Louise Segan [1:09] - What is atrial fibrillation and how does it relate to heart failure? [5:08] - Understanding AF-mediated cardiomyopathy and its management challenges [8:59] - Inside the Withdraw HF study: why it was launched and how it was designed [14:10] - What the results reveal about heart function recovery and medication withdrawal [23:50] - Why ongoing monitoring and individualized care are essential for long-term success [29:17] - Final thoughts on the future of personalized heart failure treatment If 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
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About

Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer.  My mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare experts and patients, making cutting-edge medical research accessible and relevant to everyone.  Join me for engaging conversations, expert interviews, and practical advice that empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.  Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the latest advancements in healthcare.  Let's build a healthier future together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Birkhoelzer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Birkhoelzer
  • Show Website
    Beatwise The Podcast

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