heart-health-for-all-how-we-can-improve-access-to-cardiac-care-around-the-globe

Starting my medical career in Brazil – a country of contrasts – I saw firsthand the stark differences in access to care. I did my residency at a basic public health facility in São Paulo, where we were able to provide essential care despite limited resources. But just 40 miles away, patients faced a very different reality, with far fewer medical options. Where we live should not determine the quality of healthcare we receive. Yet too often, it does.

Nowhere is this more evident than in cardiac care, where timely diagnosis and intervention can mean the difference between life and death. At least three-quarters of the world’s deaths from cardiovascular diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries². But even in developed regions like the US and Europe, access to cardiac care is challenging for many. A lack of qualified healthcare professionals, along with growing demand, is one of the main reasons why. For example, a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that nearly half of all counties in the US do not have a single practicing cardiologist [3]. Similarly, the 2024 Philips Future Health Index report found 75% of cardiology leaders worldwide say staff shortages are impacting patient care at their organizations.

As an industry, we must do more to bridge these gaps. By harnessing the power of AI, virtual care, and remote patient monitoring, we can bring cardiac care to more patients. Let’s explore how each of these innovations can help:

Many aspects of cardiac care – such as performing an ultrasound exam or a CT scan of the heart – require substantial expertise. But what happens when that expertise is in short supply? I still remember how daunting performing my first ultrasound exam was and how helpful it was to have support from a more experienced physician. Today, AI can play a huge role in simplifying complex diagnostics, so that even less experienced healthcare professionals can deliver high-quality care with confidence.