In November 2022, at the age of 29, Sanj Kochhar received a heart transplant and was discharged on Christmas Eve. In this episode with Yianna Theodorou from the British Heart Foundation, Sanj explains how she started experiencing symptoms of heart failure while studying to become a doctor. After 10 years of a slow decrease in heart function, despite compensating very well, one night in October 2022 Sanj's condition suddenly deteriorated. Sanj suffered multiple organ failure and her condition became so severe that she was placed on the super urgent transplant list.Sanj shares the difficulties of being a doctor-turned-patient, the surprising challenges of life post-transplant, and her hopes for the future that has now unfolded in front of her. This Christmas, give a gift that keeps on living. As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepodIf you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there.And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Salman Uddin is a GP who has devoted his working life to providing care and support for patients in the multi-ethnic community of Tower Hamlets, London, where he himself was raised. The father-of-two is passionate about encouraging people of all ages, religions and backgrounds to speak more openly about heart health. This became even more important to Salman after he himself suffered an unexpected heart attack at the age of just 34. It was July 2020, a few months into the first national Covid lockdown and Salman – who has previously taken part in several London Marathons – had just returned from a mid-morning run on his day off from the GP practice when he was taken ill. Now, some three years on Salman is even more committed to frank conversation about heart health issues, and passionate about sharing his own story in the hope that it may help others. On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Salman speaks about what it’s like to go from caring for patients to becoming one yourself, the tough mental recovery he faced after his heart attack, work he is doing in his local community and why supporting the BHF means so much to him. Every five minutes in the UK someone has a heart attack, but the BHF is committed to funding research to help more people to survive one – or better yet not have one in the first place. You can find more information at bhf.org.uk/heartattack. As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the autumn of 2022 Helen and her partner Joe were excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first baby, but at the 20-week scan they started down a path they never thought they would be on. A potential issue was picked up with their baby’s heart. Eventually specialist Dr David Lloyd, whose incredible work into foetal heart development is funded by the BHF, would diagnose a condition called Coarctation of the Aorta. This is where the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body is narrower than normal.  Helen and Joe’s son Rory went on to undergo corrective heart surgery at just five days old. His diagnosis, and the detailed care plan put in place for him before he was even born was made possible by the incredible technology harnessed by Dr Lloyd and his team at London’s Evelina Children’s Hospital. Dr Lloyd uses prenatal 3D ultrasound MRI scans to create incredibly intricate images of a baby’s heart, and it is thanks to this life-changing science that baby Rory is here and thriving today.  On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Helen speaks about what it was like for herself and Joe to come to terms with what their baby would need to cope with at just hours and days old. She talks about the realities of what their little family has lived through during the past year, how BHF-funded research was the game-changer for them and how little fighter Rory is doing now. Helen, Joe and Rory’s family story is one at the heart of the BHF’s Spotlight On campaign. You can find more information here: https://spotlighton.bhf.org.uk/hidden-heart-conditions As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August 2022 Macy Allen turned 18. A busy hairdressing apprentice with a second job in a pub and hectic social life with friends and her boyfriend Will, Macy was looking forward to another year of living her life at 100 miles per hour. Instead, at the end of October, life changed for her forever. Macy became seriously ill very quickly, and was suddenly unable to even climb the stairs at home without gasping for breath. After discovering her heart rate was much higher than it should have been she was admitted to hospital and ended up staying there for almost a month. It was suspected she may have inherited cardiomyopathy, and in May 2023 it was confirmed that Macy – along with her older brother Monty – has Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Macy has also been told she may need a heart transplant in the future.  On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Macy speaks frankly about what it’s like coming to terms with having a genetic heart condition in your teens, how she coped with suddenly having to rely on family and friends for the seemingly simplest things, how she’s rebuilt her life in the face of numerous obstacles and now wants to share her story to help others. She also speaks about how BHF funded research has given her hope and ensures she knows she is not alone. Macy’s story is one at the heart of the BHF’s Spotlight On campaign. You can find more information here: https://spotlighton.bhf.org.uk/hidden-heart-conditions As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan received his heart transplant in July 2021 having just turned 40. In this episode with Rob Underwood from the British Heart Foundation, he explains how he’d lived with a heart condition since his mid 20s. But it deteriorated rapidly in the six months or so before his operation to the point where he spent eleven days on life support. After his recovery journey Dan's now realising long held ambitions which include performing stand up comedy! It's a compelling story, serving to illustrate just what can be achieved after such a life changing experience. As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. Thank you to all those who already give. If you too would like to donate, you can do so by going to bhf.org.uk/donatepodIf you have any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s free Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. Also if you’d like to share your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, do email us at, [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris was enjoying a fulfilling, active retirement particularly relishing the chance to take part in his weekend park runs. In this episode with Rob Underwood from the British Heart Foundation, he nevertheless describes how he was first faced with processing the devastating news of his heart attack, then the subsequent realisation of unexpected triple bypass surgery. After following a steady recovery path though he's now returned to his full and active lifestyle and is, in his words, "feeling better than before". Chris's story is one at the heart of the BHF's Spotlight On campaign. You can find more information here: https://spotlighton.bhf.org.uk/hidden-heart-conditionsAs a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. Thank you to all those who already give. If you too would like to donate, you can do so by going to bhf.org.uk/donatepodIf you have any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s free Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. Also if you’d like to share your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, do email us at, [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the evening of March 1, 2022, Stuart Waters got home from work and took his two children Sadie and Jude to football training – just like any other Tuesday. Little did he know that later that evening he would suffer a sudden cardiac arrest at the wheel of his car, altering life forever not only for himself, but his wife Leanne, his son and daughter. In the space of a few minutes Leanne was left watching her husband fight for his life just outside the family home, and over the next few months she had to balance supporting Stuart with caring for their children and keeping the life they’d worked so hard to build together afloat. On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Leanne speaks candidly about the challenges she faced having become a carer for her partner, how she somehow managed to keep multiple plates spinning against all the odds and how she discovered the hard way that it’s also really important to look after yourself. If you’ve experienced caring for someone with a heart condition you may find the following links helpful: bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/support-for-carers, bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/emotional-support-and-wellbeing,bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/can-i-get-financial-support-or-benefits-if-i-have-a-heart-condition,bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/work-and-a-heart-condition For more information about the BHF’s free, interactive, online training course RevivR, where you can learn CPR in just 15 minutes, visit: www.bhf.org.uk/revivr As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When mum-of two-Hina was just 36, the joy of preparing for Diwali with her young daughter turned to fear in an instant when she suffered a heart attack out of the blue.In this episode, Ruth Huntman from the BHF talks with Hina about coming to terms with having a heart attack at such a young age, being able to reach poignant family milestones she thought she may never see, and why the BHF was a lifeline during her recovery. Hina's story is one at the heart of the BHF’s This is Science 2.0 campaign. You can find more information here:https://www.bhf.org.uk/this-is-science/hinas-story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday, 3 August, 2021, began like many other days for busy parents Jody and Jamie Crook, and their children Theo and Sienna – but just hours later the world as the family knew it had turned completely on its head. Sienna, then just 14 months old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the way back from an outing to the park with mum Jody, her brother, godmother Kaylie and her children. Kaylie saved her life by doing CPR until the paramedics arrived, and Sienna went on to be diagnosed with multiple heart conditions – including the inherited and currently incurable Brugada Syndrome. On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Jody speaks bravely about coming to terms with the events of that day and the weeks and months that followed, going on to discover that she, Theo and other members of her family also have Brugada, and the emotional journey she and Jamie have been on since. Jody speaks frankly about what it’s like to learn that you have passed on a heart condition to your child, how a family tree can be completely rewritten and how her tireless support of the BHF and the charity’s work has brought her hope and new purpose.Jody and Sienna’s story is one at the heart of the BHF’s This is Science 2.0 campaign. You can find more information here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/this-is-science/siennas-storyAs a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In April 2021,18-year-old Guy was enjoying a day out on the golf course with a friend when the unimaginable happened. The athletic, seemingly healthy teenager had no inkling that in minutes his life would be hanging in the balance after he had a sudden cardiac arrest out of the blue. Thanks to the quick actions of a fellow golfer who was trained in CPR, Guy survived. He was fitted with an ICD and eight months after collapsing he got the shock diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome – an incurable and hereditary heart condition which can cause the heart to go into a life-threatening rhythm, causing sudden cardiac arrest.On this episode Guy talks to Ruth Huntman from the BHF about how he’s come to terms with his cardiac arrest and Long QT diagnosis, the impact it’s had on his family and why he now passionately supports the BHF to help change perceptions of heart disease.Guy’s story is one at the heart of the BHF’s This is Science 2.0 campaign. You can find more information here: bhf.org.uk/this-is-science/guys-storyThe BHF’s lifesaving research is giving hope to so many people. If you would like to support our work, please consider a donation by going to bhf.org.uk/donatepod. If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website bhf.org.uk/hearthelplineand you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.