Heart Failure & Cardiac Devices Explained | ICD, CRT-P & CRT-D | Patient + Cardiologist Insight

Welcome to Heart Failure Unfiltered, a powerful new 3-part podcast series from the Pumping Marvellous Foundation — the UK’s heart failure charity. In this episode, Nick Hartshorne-Evans, Founder & CEO of the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, is joined by Dr Fozia Ahmed, Consultant Cardiologist, and patients living with cardiac devices to open up an honest, human conversation about heart failure treatment. This episode focuses on one big question: What are ICDs, CRT-Ps and CRT-Ds — and why do some people with heart failure need them? What You’ll Learn • What’s actually happening in the heart during heart failure • When medication alone may not be enough • What ICD, CRT-P and CRT-D devices do — explained simply • The difference between these life-saving devices • How devices help reduce risk and improve quality of life • What it really feels like to be told you might need one Real Patient Voices This isn’t just clinical theory. You’ll hear directly from people living with cardiac devices — their fears, their questions, and what they wish they’d known earlier. Because heart failure isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a life lived day-to-day. Why This Matters Heart failure affects over a million people in the UK — yet many are diagnosed late. Cardiac devices like ICDs and CRTs can: • Prevent sudden cardiac death • Improve heart function • Transform quality of life But too often, patients don’t fully understand their options. This podcast changes that. Who This Episode Is For • People living with heart failure • Anyone told they may need a cardiac device • Families and carers • Healthcare professionals wanting a patient-first perspective • NHS leaders focused on improving cardiovascular outcomes About the Pumping Marvellous Foundation Visit https://pumpingmarvellous.org or https://beathf.org.uk for further information. We exist to make heart failure understandable, manageable, and less frightening. Through education, community, and patient voice, we work alongside the NHS to improve outcomes and experience for people living with heart failure. Subscribe to stay informed, empowered, and connected. Join the Conversation Have you been told you might need a device? Living with an ICD or CRT? Share your experience in the comments — your story helps others.