This is a Radio Cherwell original podcast

Hosted by: Aleksandra Jedinska

Listen Live: radiocherwell.com

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About this episode of Science & Beyond

Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer — taking over 170,000 lives every year, even edging out cancer. In this debut episode of the series, we’re diving headfirst into cardiology: a topic that affects nearly every family, yet often remains shrouded in medical jargon. With help from our two expert guests — Tae and Rebecca — we unpack what really goes wrong when the heart falters.

From the ‘plumbing’ and ‘electrics’ of the heart to what actually happens during a myocardial infarction, we break down the life-or-death moments clinicians face every day. You’ll hear about ECGs, emergency treatments, and the silent build-up of risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. We also explore the science behind cholesterol-lowering drugs — statins, ezetimibe, and even PCSK9 inhibitors — and look at interventions like ablations for arrhythmias and managing heart failure.

And yes — even oral hygiene matters. You’ll learn how a simple dental infection can lead to endocarditis, and why the aortic valve is often the one to watch. Whether you’re a future medic or just want to understand the heart that keeps you going, this episode sets the pace for a season full of science, stories, and life-saving insights.