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One in four adults in the UK live with high blood pressure. And about five million adults are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. But what is high blood pressure and how can it affect your health? And what can be done to bring it under control? In this short bonus episode, Ticker Tapes host Bill Snaddon talks with BHF cardiac nurse Sindy Jodar on all things blood pressure. More on high blood pressure on the BHF website: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure The British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue our lifesaving research. If you would like to donate, you can do so by going to bhf.org.uk/donate 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, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bettina is a doting grandma of five from Nottingham. She has transformed her battle against high blood pressure into an opportunity for healthier living – for herself and her community. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Bettina about a day that is etched in her memory. A traumatic day that set in train her diagnosis of high blood pressure. Bettina goes on to talk about the changes she would make to remain healthy and, most importantly, able to spend many more years enjoying the company of her grandkids. More on high blood pressure: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure 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/donate 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, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joe Baxter's life was changed in an instant when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest - aged just 24. He woke up in hospital weeks later to discover he had an inherited heart condition, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). In this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF talks to Joe about his physical and mental recovery, and how he manages living with his heart condition today. 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 - you'll find all the contact options there. 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/donate. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Toby was just 22, at the peak of his life and hoping for a career in the Royal Marines when his life was cut suddenly and cruelly short. In this episode, Ruth Huntman from the BHF talks to Toby’s mum Sam about confronting every mother’s worst nightmare, her fight to find some answers and how her commitment to raising awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) is Toby’s legacy. More on SADS: Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome | British Heart Foundation (bhf.org.uk) Watch Sam’s documentary Sudden Death: My Sister’s Silent Killer https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09c54gg Watch the BHF Live and Ticking event with Sam and Professor Elijah Behr https://youtu.be/QBwGB6hzuqA   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/donate. 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 - you'll find all the contact options there.  And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk       See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason Doyle was living a full-on life: working long hours on a trading floor, spending time with his family, and fitting in tennis and triathlons. Everything changed when he discovered that he had a bicuspid valve and would need open heart surgery to replace it. In this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF talks to Jason about how he went about preparing for his major surgery, how he managed difficult conversations, and what he now has in common with Arnold Schwarzenegger.  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 - you'll find all the contact options there. 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/donate.   And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Musician and DJ Rehana suffered a cardiac arrest out of the blue in her 20’s while exercising but survived thanks to the quick actions of strangers. On this episode Rehana, now 31, talks to me about life after her cardiac arrest, living with an ICD, and how her experience has changed her outlook on life in positive ways. More information about sudden cardiac arrest www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiac-arrest Only 1 in 10 people in the UK survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Administering CPR can buy vital time and increase chances of survival. More information about how you can learn CPR and help save a life : www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life 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/donate.   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 - you'll find all the contact options there.   And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Richard Issitt is a BHF researcher and senior paediatric perfusionist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. On this episode, he talks to Leanne Grech from the BHF about his personal connection to paediatrics, the discoveries he has made in his research, and how his job saves thousands of lives every year. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, please call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zena Forster's life life was upended at age 60 when out of the blue she suffered a stroke. A year later, in the middle of the night, a traumatic heart attack would add to Zena’s troubles. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF hears her story of living with cardiovascular disease – and how Zena's strength, purpose and humour brought her back from the abyss.  More on strokes: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/stroke More on heart attacks: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-attack 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/donate. 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 - you'll find all the contact options there. And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kieran Sandwell was born with a congenital heart disease. By the time he was 38, he was living with heart failure and struggling to carry out everyday tasks. He was put on the waiting list for a heart transplant and finally received his new heart in 2009 - and along with it, a second chance at life. Before long, Kieran was running marathons, jumping out of planes and planning an epic 5,000 mile walk around the coast of Britain to raise money for the BHF. Tragically, since recording this podcast, Kieran passed away. This episode is being released with the blessing of Kieran's partner Sylvi, in his memory. Kieran and Sylvi played in a band together as 'The Pedanticals.' You can find their videos on Facebook and SoundCloud. You can see Kieran's website, with photos from his walk and the video of him meeting his old heart, here. If you'd like to get in touch with us, we're at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When Jack was studying at university a shocking revelation shook his world as he knew it. After his devoted mother told him that he had been conceived by sperm donor, Jack embarked on an emotional journey to trace his biological father with lifechanging consequences. On this episode Jack talks to Ruth Huntman from the BHF about what he discovered and how it impacted his life and health in ways he’d never have foreseen. 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/donate. 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 - you'll find all the contact options there.   You’ll also find useful information in the episode notes, and on our website, bhf.org.uk.And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk.         See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aspiring performer Hannah was just 16 when her dreams of a career in musical theatre were shattered after she had a sudden cardiac arrest soon after starting at a prestigious theatre college. On this episode she talks to Ruth Huntman at the BHF about the physical and psychological road to recovery and finally realising her ambition to become a professional actress.   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/donate.   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 - you'll find all the contact options there.   More information about Kawasaki disease www.kawasakidiseaseuk.org   You’ll also find useful information in the episode notes, and on our website, bhf.org.uk.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Metin Avkiran, Associate Medical Director for Research at the British Heart Foundation, has dedicated his career to understanding heart and circulatory conditions. He talks to Christie about his transition from research to senior leader at the BHF, his personal connection to heart disease, and what he feels the public should know about our cause. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, please call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

James Wilkinson was on holiday in Turkey when he realised something wasn’t right. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with James about the diagnosis that threw his life into a spin - and how an anxious wait for heart surgery during the Covid pandemic led James to bypassing the NHS, opting instead to have his operation done privately.  More on endocarditis: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/endocarditis 'Hospital waiting lists for crucial heart care continue to rise': James' story in a BHF news comment piece https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2021/september/hospital-waiting-lists-heart-care-continue-rise 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/donate. 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 - you'll find all the contact options there.  And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Becky Speers discovered she had a heart condition in a dramatic way - when she collapsed at the end of a 5k charity run. On this episode, Molly Tresadern from the British Heart Foundation talks with Becky about discovering she had an inherited heart condition, how she's come to appreciate the ICD that could help to save her life - and how it hasn't put her off running. Becky's Facebook support group for people living with ICDs and pacemakers can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1541561126057938 Cardiac Athletes' website: https://cardiacathletes.com/ More on CPVT: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cpvt 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/donate. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thanieth was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening heart condition at age 14. She hasn't always found it easy to talk about her health. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the British Heart Foundation talks with Thanieth about how she found the courage to talk more openly after the death of her mum and brother. Thanieth also speaks movingly on how she'll talk to her two kids if they are found to have Hypertrhopic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, the genetic condition that's caused great tragedy in her family.   More on Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/research-successes/causes-of-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy 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/donate. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, get in touch with us by emailing thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rachel was in her 30s, fit and healthy, and working as a successful lawyer - and when she started to experience chest pains, heart disease was the last thing on her mind. In this episode, Rachel talks to Molly Tresadern from the BHF about how being a woman affected her journey to the correct diagnosis, and how her life has changed in the 17 years she's been living with heart disease. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk If you'd like to share your story, you can do so on the BHF website here. Rachel's training and coaching business can be found here. To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Vicky was born with a hole in her heart but had a pretty normal childhood until she suffered a collapsed mitral valve at 16 and needed open heart surgery. She was left with atrial fibrillation and after countless procedures she received the shock diagnosis of heart failure at just 38. She talks to Ruth Huntman from the BHF about how the lifechanging diagnosis has impacted her life and how BHF research gives her hope for the future . Over the years the BHF has funded research to help heart failure patients live longer and have a better quality of life. www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-conditions-research/heart-failure-research. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, please call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk   If you'd like to share your story you can do so on the BHF website here www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/share-your-story/form/getting-started To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk     See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mark Kearney, BHF Professor of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research at the University of Leeds, has dedicated his career to understanding diabetes and its connection to heart failure. He talks to Christie about his personal experience of heart disease, the discoveries he has made in his research and his hopes for people living with the two conditions. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, please call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk If you'd like to share your story, you can do so on the BHF website here. To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ella was born with a condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), where the two main arteries leaving the heart are the wrong way round. She had heart surgery at just a few days old to 'switch' the arteries to their correct places. Now 19 and at university, she talks to Molly Tresadern from the BHF about what it's like to grow up with a heart condition, and the things she's learned along the way. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk If you'd like to share your story, you can do so on the BHF website here. To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Harvinder's father passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest. In this episode, Harvinder talks about the importance of public access defibrillators, why it's vital that they are regularly checked, and why she's supporting the Circuit - the national defibrillator network. For more information on the Circuit, public defibrillators and CPR, you can visit the BHF website here. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk If you'd like to share your story, you can do so on the BHF website here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.