Today, advancements in technology have made heart health monitoring more accessible than ever. With devices like smartwatches tracking blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, the ability to manage cardiovascular health is in the hands of consumers. In contrast, the late 19th century involved invasive techniques, such as puncturing the heart muscles with wires. The development of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in the 20th century revolutionized the field, providing a non-invasive method to measure the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes.
Cardiology has evolved significantly, driven by pioneers such as William Harvey and René Laennec. New techniques are constantly being developed to advance heart health care. For example, cardiovascular radiology now includes sophisticated methods like myocardial strain imaging, 4D flow MRI, and photon-counting CT scans that offer precise insights into heart conditions with minimal radiation exposure.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing a growing role in heart health. Professor Charalambos Antoniades, a cardiovascular expert at the University of Oxford, highlights AI’s potential to predict heart attack risk. AI can analyze heart scans and detect information invisible to the human eye, such as coronary artery inflammation. Antoniades’ team has developed technology that forecasts heart attack risk, allowing for proactive preventive care. Currently in use at hospitals in the UK, this innovation helps guide treatment decisions.
However, experts like Dr. Jagat Narula, president-elect of the World Heart Federation, emphasize the need for greater global attention to cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Efforts such as the City Heartbeat Index, which ranks cities based on their heart health initiatives, show that places like Hong Kong are taking proactive measures to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Cardiologist Dr. Boon Lim highlights the importance of lifestyle changes, particularly in light of rising obesity and metabolic syndrome. He advises prioritizing work-life balance, exercise, and spending time in nature, such as through the Japanese practice of forest bathing, to improve overall heart health.
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