The next frontier in cardiovascular care: AI and wearables for heart attack detection

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading global killer, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, nearly 18 million people died from these diseases, most notably heart attacks and strokes. This highlights a pressing issue— heart attacks can trigger a chain of life-threatening conditions that exacerbate health problems, raising the urgency for improved detection and prevention.

One area where technological advancements are making a significant difference is in the detection and prevention of heart attacks. Researchers, engineers, and healthcare providers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage heart health. By integrating AI with real-time monitoring systems, scientists aim to detect heart attacks earlier, enabling quicker interventions and saving lives.

The growing concern of cardiovascular diseases

Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, with the U.S. showing higher mortality rates than other high-income countries like Canada and the UK, according to a JAMA report on heart attack deaths between 2011 and 2017. Experts suggest that focusing more on advanced treatments rather than strategies to reduce mortality, along with factors like obesity, medication non-adherence, and socioeconomic issues, may contribute to this disparity.

Beyond the immediate risk of death, heart attacks can lead to long-term health complications such as kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, and depression, all of which can significantly impact survivors’ quality of life and put additional strain on healthcare systems.

The rising impact of obesity on heart health

A significant contributor to the increasing incidence of heart disease is obesity, particularly extreme forms of obesity. Research conducted by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that obesity rates in the U.S. have surged over the past two decades, with extreme obesity—defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 60 or greater—on the rise.

This alarming trend has been linked to numerous health complications, including heart disease. Extreme obesity not only increases the likelihood of heart attacks but also complicates treatment, as individuals with this condition are often less mobile and more prone to other serious health issues.

A 2023 study revealed that deaths from heart disease due to obesity have increased by 180% between 1999 and 2020. As obesity rates rise, so does the risk for cardiovascular diseases, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to both prevent and detect heart attacks in real-time, especially in those at higher risk due to obesity.

AI in heart attack detection

Healthcare is increasingly utilizing advanced technology for heart disease detection, including AI-powered tools that analyze electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other health data. Machine learning algorithms are being employed to develop models that assess the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular events in patients.

A study funded by the British Heart Foundation created a model specifically for women to predict heart disease risk by analyzing over a million ECGs. This model helps provide more accurate diagnoses, as women are often underdiagnosed or treated less aggressively. The technology enables healthcare providers to detect high-risk women earlier, improving care and saving lives.

In another development, the InSiDe Project‘s laser-based approach is creating a sensor to monitor heart health in real time. This sensor detects changes in blood flow and oxygenation, offering insights into cardiovascular function. When combined with AI, it could help detect heart conditions earlier and alert healthcare providers before a heart attack occurs, leading to better outcomes.

Real-time detection through wearable technology

While AI has the potential to significantly improve heart disease diagnostics, wearable devices offer another avenue for real-time heart attack detection. Researchers at the University of Mississippi have developed a wearable device that utilizes AI to detect heart attacks in real-time. This technology can identify heart attacks faster and more accurately than traditional methods, offering a critical advantage in saving lives.

Traditional methods of diagnosing heart attacks often require patients to undergo blood tests or an ECG, which can take valuable time. In some cases, every second counts, and the delay in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage or even death. The AI-powered wearable developed by the Mississippi team aims to eliminate this time lag. By continuously monitoring the patient’s heart activity, the device can flag signs of a heart attack as they occur, prompting immediate medical intervention.

The wearable device is designed to be lightweight, energy-efficient, and portable, making it an ideal candidate for everyday use. It can be integrated into devices like smartphones or smartwatches, which are already widely used by the general population. This accessibility could significantly reduce response times for heart attack patients, providing them with immediate care before they even reach the hospital.

Expanding the use of wearables in healthcare

Wearable devices have potential beyond heart attack detection, with applications in monitoring seizures and managing dementia. By continuously tracking vital signs and behaviors, these devices can help detect issues early, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Tech companies like Apple are incorporating health-monitoring features into their products. For example, the Apple Watch includes an ECG app that records heart rhythm and alerts users to irregularities like atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can result in serious health complications. Adding AI to such devices could improve real-time health monitoring even further.

With its strong presence in the wearable tech market, Apple has led the way in wearable tech with its Apple Watch, which helps track heart health in real time. Equipped with an ECG monitor and optical heart rate sensor, the watch can detect irregularities like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and allow users to perform an ECG at any time.

In 2024, Apple enhanced the ECG functionality, providing more accurate readings for earlier heart condition detection. This feature helps users spot potential issues without visiting a doctor right away.

The watch also gives instant feedback, alerting users to irregular heart rhythms. This timely notification encourages swift action, whether seeking medical advice or further testing, making heart health monitoring more accessible and efficient.

Future and financial impact of MedTech wearables

AI-powered wearable technology is not only a medical breakthrough but also a growing opportunity for health tech companies. The wearable medical device market is expected to expand rapidly due to increasing demand for real-time health monitoring, particularly for cardiovascular issues. This creates opportunities for both tech giants like Apple and emerging startups.

However, challenges remain. As wearables become more advanced, production and implementation costs may rise. Ensuring accessibility and affordability, especially in underserved communities, is essential. Additionally, the healthcare industry must adapt to AI-driven diagnostics and real-time monitoring, which could require changes in medical protocols and insurance policies.

As AI and wearables advance, they are poised to transform healthcare, improving heart attack detection and chronic disease management while making care more proactive, accessible, and effective.

A healthier future through AI and wearables

The rise in cardiovascular diseases and obesity highlights the need for innovations in healthcare. Heart attacks and related conditions remain major health threats, especially in the U.S., where rising obesity rates worsen the situation. AI-powered wearables offer a promising solution for early detection and treatment, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term complications.

Integrating AI into wearables enables more personalized and efficient care, detecting issues before they become critical. With real-time monitoring through lightweight, portable devices, these technologies could transform heart health management and revolutionize healthcare by making it more proactive and responsive to patient needs.

The addition of projects like InSiDe’s Laser-Based Approach further enhances these advancements, ensuring that heart attack detection becomes more accurate and accessible than ever before.