PCCS Unscripted

Primary Care Cardiovascular Society
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Welcome to PCCS Unscripted! The Primary Care Cardiovascular Society aims to support, educate and empower primary care healthcare practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills in caring for people with, or at risk of, established cardiovascular disease. Our central objective is to provide relevant, high quality and up-to-date education and tools for a primary care audience. on cardiovascular disease and associated conditions. For further information, please check out our website: https://pccsuk.org/default.aspx These podcasts are intended for UK practicing healthcare professionals only. 

  1. 22h ago

    From prevention to empowerment: a modern approach to heart failure management

    In this episode, Dr Kassianides and Dr Birkhoelzer discuss the updated European Society of Cardiology guidelines on heart failure.   The conversation begins by highlighting new concepts introduced in the guidelines,  real-world implementation and the need for prevention of heart failure rather than simply reacting to it. Next, they go on to discuss the requirement for early referral of patients to cardiology services, while touching on the importance of holistic management. The dialogue continues with a focus on how to communicate with patients citing use of analogies that help during patient conversations. Extending from this, Dr Birkhoelzer closes the podcast by explaining what her podcast, BeatWise, can offer for patients, to support their empowerment and understanding upon diagnosis. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  2. Oct 7

    The CVKM Crossroads: Rethinking Care in Primary Practice

    Join Dr Xenophon Kassianides and Prof Raj Thakkar for a whistle-stop tour of the evolving CVKM landscape in primary care. This episode will explore the modern service framework and the value of a holistic approach to CVKM management, alongside the need for innovative models of care delivery. The discussion will also address the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CVKM conditions in women, highlight the STAMP approach to CKD management and consider lipid-lowering therapy initiation for patients at high cardiovascular risk.  Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  3. Sep 23

    Lifestyle Medicine in CVD: What the Evidence Shows - and What It Takes in Practice

    In this episode, Dr Sundhya Raman joins Dr Xenophon Kassianides to look beyond the familiar advice to “eat better and exercise” and ask a more useful question: what does the evidence for lifestyle medicine actually show? Using the CENTURY trial as a platform, they revisit evidence from intensive lifestyle interventions, looking at the combination of dietary change, exercise and wider support rather than weight loss alone. They briefly touch on the 2026 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Rehabilitation, and consider how the CVD Modern Service Framework could facilitate a change in attitudes. Sundhya and Xenophon also discuss how lifestyle evidence should be considered alongside medical treatment and drug outcome trials, and why sustained support, physical activity, diet and the wider determinants of behaviour all matter when helping patients make lasting changes.  Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  4. Sep 17

    HFpEF Unmasked: New Evidence, New Guidance

    In this episode, our host Xenophon Kassianides and Prof Clare Taylor, and Dr. Jim Moore discuss the changing landscape of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and what it means for primary care. They explore why HFpEF is often missed, how to recognise it in patients presenting with breathlessness and multimorbidity, and how newer evidence has changed the treatment conversation. They also put this into the context of current guidance, including the updated NICE chronic heart failure guideline (NG106), and how MRA alongside an SGLT2 inhibitor represent treatments to consider. The discussion highlights the important role of primary care in earlier diagnosis, appropriate coding, treatment of comorbidities and joined-up CVKM care. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  5. Sep 11

    Summer Round Up

    Join Dr Xenophon Kassianides, Prof Derek Connolly and Prof Kausik Ray for an overview of this Summer's insights and developments shaping CVD management. From clinical trial findings, to the importance of atherosclerosis and plaque regression and Lp(a). The evidence discussed continues to reinforce a familiar message: optimise CVD prevention, initiate treatment early and maintain therapy over time. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  6. Aug 6

    New Modern Service Framework (MSF)

    The new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework sets out a long-term vision for reducing premature deaths from heart disease and stroke through earlier prevention, diagnosis and treatment and a more integrated cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic approach. Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by the framework’s clinical co-chair, Dr Jessica Randall-Carrick, to discuss what it means for primary care. They explore finding people with undiagnosed or undertreated risk, treatment to target, neighbourhood delivery, cardiovascular rehabilitation and proportionate approaches to health inequality. Xenophon is strongly supportive of the framework’s ambition—but also puts the concerns of supportive sceptics to Jessica. Does primary care have the necessary capacity? Who will be accountable for delivery? How will measurement improve care rather than add burden? And what would make this framework different from previous national strategies? Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  7. Jul 29

    PCCS Team of the Year

    Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by Dr Paul Riley from Wide Way Medical Centre, whose Value-based Integrated Proactive approach to cardiovascular care won the PCCS Best QIP award, while the multidisciplinary planned care team behind it received Best Team. They explore how the practice moved from fragmented, single-condition reviews towards proactive and integrated cardiovascular risk management; how data, workforce skill mix and a weekly MDT supported delivery; and what the results mean for patients, staff and NHS capacity. They also consider how this local model aligns with the new CVD Modern Service Framework and what other practices and PCNs can learn from it. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

  8. Jul 9

    Round up of Spring 2026 Conference Season

    In this episode, three members of the PCCS council come together to share their highlights and reflections from the recent European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Conference, British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Conference and the American Diabetes Association Congress. Prof Derek Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, GP with an Extended Role in CVRM Medicine, and Prof Raj Thakkar, President of the PCCS, unpack the key updates, emerging evidence and practical takeaways from the conference. Translating the latest thinking on cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis into insights primary care healthcare professionals can use in everyday practice. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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About

Welcome to PCCS Unscripted! The Primary Care Cardiovascular Society aims to support, educate and empower primary care healthcare practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills in caring for people with, or at risk of, established cardiovascular disease. Our central objective is to provide relevant, high quality and up-to-date education and tools for a primary care audience. on cardiovascular disease and associated conditions. For further information, please check out our website: https://pccsuk.org/default.aspx These podcasts are intended for UK practicing healthcare professionals only. 

Information

  • Creator
    Primary Care Cardiovascular Society
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PCCS Unscripted
  • Show Website
    PCCS Unscripted