Review Articles
The Impact of Technology and Digital Health on Cardiology: A Review of the Present to Reach the Future
Main Article Content
Sofia Couto da Rocha
Alberto Ramos
Abstract
The integration of digital health technologies is revolutionizing the field of cardiology, particularly in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The rapid advancements in wearable devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and telemedicine have enabled more precise, predictable, and personalized care strategies, transforming the landscape of cardiovascular health. Wearable technologies, such as smartwatches with some electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities, have improved early detection of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), enhancing patient outcomes by enabling timely interventions. Similarly, AI-driven diagnostic tools and machine learning (ML) models have demonstrated superior accuracy in interpreting ECGs and identifying complex arrhythmias, often outperforming traditional methods.
Telehealth has also gained traction, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by facilitating remote monitoring of chronic CVDs. Remote monitoring devices, including implantable pacemakers and defibrillators, have further reduced mortality rates by providing real-time data to healthcare providers, allowing for early interventions. AI language models, such as ChatGPT, are being utilized to accelerate research, aid in clinical decision-making, and enhance patient engagement through personalized education and real-time assistance.
In addition to these advancements, digital therapeutics, and mobile health (mHealth) platforms are providing real-time feedback to patients and improving adherence to medication regimens, which is crucial for managing chronic conditions like hypertension and heart failure. Genomic and metabolomic medicine, with its focus on precision cardiology, allows for more personalized treatment plans based on an individual's genetic profile, further enhancing outcomes for those at risk for inherited cardiovascular diseases.
Despite the promising developments, challenges remain, including the need for better integration with healthcare systems, data privacy concerns, and ensuring equitable access to these technologies. Nevertheless, the future of cardiology is expected to be shaped by advancements in AI, wearable technologies, and precision medicine, paving the way for real proactive and personalized care.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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