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When it comes to groundbreaking new technology, the field of cardiology has always seemed to be at the forefront.
The fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States is one of the reasons technology companies continue to invest billions into research and development of what may be some of the most influential game changers the healthcare industry has ever seen.
A smartwatch can collect heart data. Monitors can be implanted to collect heart failure symptoms and alert a patient’s physician of a cardiac event. And those examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
This is good news for people with heart disease, as there are many treatment options for conditions that previously had less promising prognoses. The tech also allows physicians to catch and treat conditions earlier, which leads to better outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.
In Episode 72, Dr. G and his guest, Kousik Krishnan, MD, discuss breakthroughs in heart technology and what it means for patients.
Guest
Myths vs. Facts
“Across cardiac imaging, there will be greater use of 3D advanced visualization with limitless potential.” – Fact
Physicians already have these technologies. It’s only going to keep getting better.
“Simple, small wearable patient monitors have largely replaced traditional Holter monitors.” – Fact
Physicians have used wireless monitors for the past 10 years.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) will likely see its biggest steps forward in cardiology for point-of-care (POC) triage apps and wearables cardiac monitoring technologies.” – Fact
This will speed the process of getting at-risk patients examined by a cardiologist and will aid in the detection of disease.
“We are at a point where physicians can reach out to patients for screenings to find early developing disease so it can be prevented and managed, rather than the reactionary system used now to treat the result of end-stage disease.” – Fact
Technology can alert physicians to symptoms of disease so treatments can be started sooner.
“We’ll soon be seeing robots in the role of healthcare practitioners in both the catheterization and electrophysiology labs.” – Myth
There are certain tasks that human physicians would still do best.
“Image-based, virtual fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessments will replace diagnostic, wire-based angiograms.” – Fact
With advances in technology, it’s possible images could be returned to physicians within minutes.
“Wearable or implantable technology will play a big role in better monitoring of heart failure patients to prevent hospitalizations and/or readmissions.” – Fact
Heart disease is well suited to early intervention. Having access to that information will benefit patients tremendously.
“As cybersecurity issues increase across healthcare with the further digitization of the industry and patient data, physicians may need to discuss the cybersecurity risk of wireless connectivity of wearable and implantable devices with patients.” – Fact
Physicians are aware of concerns about cybersecurity risks when it comes to remote devices. Safeguards can protect patient information.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
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