Hi, I’m Nikki Stafford, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with 12 years of experience helping people recover after heart attacks, heart surgery and other cardiovascular conditions.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation teams alongside cardiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. I’ve supported 1000s of people as they return to activity, rebuild confidence and move forward after a cardiac event.
I hold an MSc in Cardiac Rehabilitation and a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Essex, where I also led a Phase 4 exercise programme. I’m an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, a BACPR qualified Exercise Instructor and trained in Basic Life Support (BLS).
My career has taken me across the UK and internationally. I spent five years in Qatar as a Senior Clinical Exercise Physiologist, helping establish the country’s first cardiac rehabilitation programme. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked at the Royal Brompton Hospital, including paediatric cardiac work and supporting high risk patients undergoing specialist cardiac investigations and treatment.
For the past six years, I’ve worked in the Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme at Wycombe Hospital. I’m responsible for delivering the majority of the programme’s education component, helping patients understand their heart health, recovery and long-term wellbeing. My clinical work includes ECG-monitored cardiopulmonary exercise testing, exercise rehabilitation for people with complex cardiovascular conditions, and individual and group programmes.
I’ve delivered hundreds of educational presentations to patients, healthcare professionals, students and community groups. I created RISE to make clear information, reassurance and connection more accessible throughout cardiac recovery, especially between leaving hospital and starting formal rehabilitation.
Away from work, I’m a keen endurance runner and have run a 2:59 marathon twice. Recovery from heart disease is very different from marathon training, but my experience of gradual progression and setbacks helps me communicate in a practical, encouraging way.
My goal is to help people feel informed, supported and confident as they move forward.