Send us a text

Today’s episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi, the very first cardiologist who ever took care of me — during the most critical 36 hours of my life at Salem Hospital. I only got to follow-up with him one time after the hospital so I was really excited to get to have this time with him.

Dr. Chagarlamudi was the cardiologist who implanted my Impella CP, performed my pericardiocentesis, and made the life-saving decision to transfer my care to Providence when it became clear my heart needed a higher level of support.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the gravity of what was happening. Looking back now, I can see just how pivotal the decisions he made were for my care — and how they ultimately changed the course of my life.

In this conversation, we talk not only about my case, but also about Dr. Chagarlamudi’s personal path to medicine and cardiology, along with his professional insights and recommendations for long-term heart health.

I am incredibly grateful for this conversation — and for the role that he will always play in my own story.

Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi - More info. on Dr. Chagarlamudi

Failure to Fit - My 8-week beginner exercise program!

Support the Podcast - Thank you!!

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

Send us a text

Welcome back for SEASON 4! I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to begin this new season than with today’s episode, especially as Grey’s Anatomy also returns with a storyline depicting a main character being diagnosed with the exact same condition as our guest.

Today, I’m joined by Casey Gould, a heart failure survivor who experienced peripartum (also called postpartum) cardiomyopathy just over a year ago while giving birth to her son, Archer.

Casey had a healthy, uneventful pregnancy — one she genuinely enjoyed — but everything changed during delivery when her heart suddenly failed. Like me, Casey required an Impella CP, a life-saving heart pump that supported her when her heart could not.

Casey is young, active, and healthy. Her story is a powerful reminder that heart failure — and postpartum cardiomyopathy in particular — does not discriminate, and that these stories are not just television, cliffhangers or plotlines… they’re real life.

In this conversation, Casey shares what it was like to go from a normal pregnancy to nearly losing her life in labor, and what recovery has looked like since.

Whether you’re a new or expecting parent, a survivor, a caregiver, or part of the healthcare community, this episode sets the tone for what Season 4 is all about — awareness and hope for every heart.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Thrive Market: Click HERE to get 40% off your first order!

Listener Support: Become a monthly supporter of the podcast for as little as $3/month HERE.

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

Send us a text

Today’s episode is incredibly special to me — because my guest isn’t just a renowned cardiologist… he was my cardiologist.

I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Jacob Abraham, who cared for me during some of the most critical moments of my life and advocated greatly for me. He helped manage my care in the hospital and then continued to walk alongside me in the months and years that followed.

Dr. Abraham is one of the most brilliant physicians but he’s also one of the kindest humans who treats his patients with the utmost respect. Having him on the podcast feels like a full-circle moment I never expected to experience.

In this conversation, Dr. Abraham shares his own story — why he chose cardiology, the experiences that have helped shape his career, his passion for physics, and the major career move he made earlier this year that has allowed him to really dive deeper into that passion.

I also asked him questions about my case: what he remembers, how decisions were made behind the scenes, why viral myocarditis occurs, and why some hearts (like mine) recover fully while others require a transplant.

And thanks to you all, I had the chance to ask several listener-submitted questions as well.

Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or someone working in healthcare, this episode offers a rare look into the heart, mind, and mission of a cardiologist who is truly making a difference.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Just Ingredients: https://justingredients.us/HILLARYSHEART

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Sign up to become an organ donor today! Organdonor.gov

Learn more about the Impella devices here.

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com