[ad_1]
Dr. Jeff Wessler (MD MPhil FACC) is a virtual cardiologist, heartbeat healthand about the clinical faculty at Northwell Health.
Getty
Did you know that every 34 seconds a person dies of heart disease in the United States?
Despite great strides in combating heart disease over the last few decades, mortality rates have risen and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and nearly all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. increase.
In addition, even though 80% of premature heart disease and stroke are known to be preventable, heart disease is often detected too late.
Take, for example, hypertension, which many consider to be the silent killer. 116 million American adults have high blood pressure, and more than 88 million have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
All of these trendlines can feel hopeless, but as a cardiologist and heart health entrepreneur who founded a virtual-first cardiology company, I’m increasingly optimistic about the future.
Here are five heart-health trends healthcare providers and health tech entrepreneurs should follow.
1. Consumer wearables that measure heart
Two interesting things happened in 2022.
1. Now everyone seems to have a wearable that tells them something about their mind.
2. The clinician hears about it.
In my experience, patients bring their data to interpretation like never before. Starting with the Apple Watch and rapidly including Google (Fitbit), Samsung, Withings, and others, the consumer wearables market now measures several critical cardiac biometrics that can actually support clinical care. Many of these devices track physiological parameters such as heart rate and heart rhythm based on factors such as heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, activity, sleep and even blood pressure. All of this is important information for identifying and managing heart disease and could help move these devices from ‘clinically suspicious’ to ‘clinically meaningful’. . More importantly, many of these devices are now being studied in large (and sometimes very large) studies on specific populations to determine their effectiveness. As we have written before, the companies that manufacture these devices need to invest in conducting more clinical trials of their products. More research is needed here, but the message is clear. These devices have the potential to aid care and are now on the wrists of millions of people. should be considered.
2. Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 left two particularly ominous cardiovascular effects in its wake. First, the acute sequelae of COVID, aka “Long-COVID” — a particularly severe syndrome that afflicts some people infected with COVID. Second, at the peak of the pandemic, one research review explained: Percutaneous coronary intervention, surgical aortic valve replacement, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement have decreased significantly. Some patients may have avoided routine heart care, heart attack numbers have been reported to mysteriously decrease (paywall), and selective (but necessary) cardiovascular Surgeries were often canceled or rescheduled. To address the issues arising from these changes, leaders in medical practice and technology must engage in proactive education and develop early detection and management strategies to proactively should promote effective patient care.
3. Lipids of the Future: Not Your Grandparents’ Cholesterol
As you read this, the entire field of lipidology, cholesterol, and early coronary artery disease management is being turned upside down. New lab tests like Lipoprotein(a), AIs like Clearly (Heartbeat Health partner) There are approaches to assess coronary plaque build-up in cardiac arteries utilizing cytotoxicity, and medications that can be used in combination with statins. We believe that expanding diagnostic and treatment options along this pathway can move us from a “one-size-fits-all” model to one of personalized care with positive outcomes. To be effective, business models must challenge conventional approaches to care by directly engaging patients and facilitating opportunities for patients to take responsibility for their own heart care.
4. Telemedicine takes on specialized care
Specialty medicines such as cardiology, nephrology, dermatology, and orthopedics tend to have very different accessibility than primary care and emergency medicine. Across the United States, it takes an average of about 26 days to see a cardiologist, according to research conducted by AMN Healthcare and Merritt Hawkins. That’s way too long for a high-stakes issue like this. Clinics can consider leveraging telemedicine to shorten this period and ensure that patients receive quality care before it is too late and they reach emergency care. (Full disclosure: My company offers telemedicine capabilities.) Telemedicine platforms are plentiful today. Professionals need to triage symptoms, order diagnostic tests and medications, and consider whether and how to use them as a means of managing chronic illness. An experienced professional should determine when face-to-face or “ground care” is needed instead of virtual care to ensure that results are better for everyone.
5. AFib joining the conversation
Atrial fibrillation (also known as AF or AFib) has been making a lot of mainstream news lately. why? Her 1 in 3 adults is at risk of developing her AFib. This common rhythm abnormality can lead to stroke, rapid heart rate, and heart failure. Devices such as patches, watches, and wearables that look for arrhythmias and diagnose atrial fibrillation could make it easier than ever for doctors to see the onset of early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. If a medical practice uses such devices, it may also consider whether it is appropriate to incorporate television visits for prescribing, communicating results, and developing care plans.
Properly designed such programs and solutions can detect risk factors early and initiate life-saving treatment before it’s too late.
The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice regarding your specific situation.
The Forbes Business Council is the premier growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. am i eligible?
[ad_2]
Source link
