How Artificial Intelligence Has Promoted Cardiology Care

For over two decades, Stanford University professor Sanjiv M. Narayan, M.D., PhD, has specialized in embracing technology developments that seek to improve cardiology. Before his current assignment, he worked in various institutions across San Diego. Performing his responsibilities as the director of Stanford’s atrial fibrillation program, Dr. Sanjiv Narayan is interested in how artificial intelligence impacts cardiology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) includes using computational algorithms to simplify processes and solve challenges associated with cardiology. With the need for improved care, the latest medical advances are becoming more relevant in helping cardiologists make the best clinical decisions. Cardiology has been at the forefront of the AI revolution, where various technologies such as computer-aided diagnosis have been introduced to boost the accurate prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and determine treatment approaches for patients with heart failure.

In addition, AI aids in proper cardiovascular imaging, enhancing non-invasive diagnosis thanks to evidence-based data. By facilitating daily decision-making and eliminating the need to perform complex cardio surgery, AI has allowed cardiologists to boost their work productivity. Finally, AI utilizes electronic patient records, which substantially improves care for patients in distant locations.

AHA Study Links Metals Exposure to Cardiovascular Diseases

Sanjiv M. Narayan, M.D., PhD, is a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Stanford University. Specializing in developing novel therapies for atrial fibrillation, he previously served in the academia in San Diego. Dr. Sanjiv Narayan, a recipient of numerous awards, maintains membership with multiple professional organizations, including the American Heart Association.

Over the years, American Heart Association (AHA) has dedicated itself to fighting heart disease and stroke. A scientific statement from American Heart Association reviewed the evidence linking involuntary chronic exposure to low or moderate levels of metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, to cardiovascular diseases. According to the statement published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), exposure to these pollutants increases the risk of stroke, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease. Although the statement doesn’t include environmental toxins as risk factors for heart disease, environmental cardiology has classified exposure to lead, cadmium, and arsenic as modifiable risks.

According to research findings in the report, urine with high levels of arsenic and blood with high levels of lead and cadmium showed a 15-85 percent increased risk for heart disease and stroke. According to Dr. Gervasio A. Lamas, chair of the statement writing group, large population studies showed that even low-level exposure to contaminant metals contributes to heart attacks, stroke, and premature death due to cardiac causes.

Lead is present in industrial emissions, tobacco products, old paint, water pipes, and some cosmetics, kitchenware, electronics, and food contaminated by groundwater. Cadmium is present in pigments, nickel-cadmium batteries, glassware, plastics, and ceramics. Arsenic exposure originates from groundwater contamination, affecting drinking water and food grown in contaminated soil. The statement urged adopting a multifaceted approach to reduce risk by conducting metal tests for individuals and implementing public health safety measures such as monitoring the environment’s metal levels.

Blockchain Poised to Reduce Healthcare Data Breaches

An accomplished cardiologist, Sanjiv Narayan earned his MD from the University of Birmingham and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California in Los Angeles. As a professor of medicine at Stanford University, he holds a prominent position at a center acclaimed for its exceptional patient care and innovative research. Before this, he served as the co-director of electrophysiology at the University of California in San Diego. Sanjiv M. Narayan’s research interests include artificial intelligence and digital health.

Some healthcare institutions are adopting blockchain technology to strengthen data safety, mitigate costs, and improve operational efficiency. Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger system that records transactions and information transparently with strong encryption that is virtually impregnable to malicious alteration.

Through blockchain operating systems, healthcare facilities can protect confidential patient data from tampering and unauthorized access. This protects data integrity and reinforces data security, a major concern in the industry.

According to the HIPAA Journal, over 692 large data breaches occurred in the healthcare industry between July 2021 and June 2022. Perpetrators stole genomic testing records and banking information, among others. Security breaches and cybercrime are two major causes of rising healthcare expenses.

What is Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome?

A cardiologist and a fellow of the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society, Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, is a professor of medicine at Stanford University and leads the Stanford Arrhythmia Center. Having worked in areas like San Diego and Palo Alto, Dr. Sanjiv M Narayan has worked extensively to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals with heart rhythm disorders.

A rare heart problem that can stem from certain medications is drug-induced long QT syndrome (di-LQTS). In di-LQTS, a patient experiences a potentially lethal disruption of heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia or torsades de pointes, which happens when there is imbalanced electrical activity and irregular beats in the lower chambers of the heart. Torsades de pointes can cause lightheadedness, palpitations, or cardiac arrest if not addressed. An electrocardiogram reveals the patterns of electrical activity that point to possible di-LQTS; the ‘long-QT’ is a reference to the disrupted waves seen on an electrocardiogram, where duration between one beat and the next is longer than is healthy.

One important step in remedying di-LQTS is to determine and halt the medication that is causing the imbalance of electrical activity in the heart. Occasionally, certain antiarrhythmics and antipsychotic medications may be risk factors. Other factors can be an underlying electrolyte imbalance, which can trigger di-LQTS from prescriptions that usually do not cause this issue.

Why Digital Health Matters for Health Equity

A cardiologist from Stanford, California, Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, completed research toward a Ph.D. degree at the University of California, Los Angeles campus. He became director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Program at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Sanjiv Narayan, a professor at Stanford Medical School, has research interests in digital health.

Digital health is essential in achieving health equity. Digital health refers to a wide range of technologies involved with delivering healthcare. Some of the most common technologies are wearable devices, like smartwatches, software medical devices, and telehealth/telemedicine, among other technologies.

Proponents of digital health establish that it can decrease healthcare costs for providers and patients, and when accompanied with personalized patient care plans, it can improve healthcare outcomes. Among its other benefits for healthcare organizations and patients, it offers positive impacts for health equity or making healthcare accessible to everyone, especially people who live in historically marginalized communities.

More than any of the above reasons, achieving health equity is one of the reasons why digital health matters. For one, digital tools serve as a bridge in closing gaps in equal access to services. For one, these technological platforms can simplify getting to the doctor. With the implementation of telemedicine, for instance, many residents in rural areas now have access to care, which was not available for many who lived in rural and sometimes remote locations.

Digital health can also be a tool for addressing historical barriers preventing some communities from seeking care. In the past, many African Americans who knew of the Tuskegee study involving the sexually transmitted disease syphilis were hesitant, even distrustful, of healthcare institutions. Digital health platforms can bridge this distrust between marginalized communities and healthcare organizations through education and support channels that speak to community members.

Why Future Doctors Should Consider Standford’s Chip T32 Program

Sanjiv M. Narayan, an MD and PhD holder, is a cardiologist who received his medical degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK and his doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles campus. He was the director of the clinical cardiac electrophysiology program at the University of California, San Diego. As a Stanford School of Medicine professor, Dr. Sanjiv Narayan helped launch CHIP T32.

Future physicians or researchers interested in entering computational medicine should consider CHIP T32 to train in this field. CHIP T32 is a comprehensive and structured training for medical professionals in computational medicine. Computational medicine refers to using advanced mathematical and simulation models strategies to model the human body, focusing on the human body from the most minute matter (molecule) to entire healthcare systems.

Stanford’s CHIP T32 accepts six fellows to participate in a two-year program involving interdisciplinary research, team-based activities, courses, and professional development. The program offers fellows extensive research and career advice. It also requires students to meet with directors and mentorship committees quarterly to get advice and feedback on their projects. Students also get priority in accessing mentorship needs through the Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) Mentorship Program, among other research and career advice benefits.

CHIP T32 fellows can participate in conferences and invited talks, such as the CVI’s Research Roundtable Series and the Institute of Computational and Mechanical Engineering (ICME) research symposia, the Early Career Symposium, and other CVI/ICME post-doctoral symposia. The program makes available between $1,000 and $3,000 a year for conference and training-related activities.

Other benefits include getting CVI feedback from staff regarding grants and manuscripts and write-ups on the CVI website. As program participants, they also are eligible to apply for manuscript and travel awards. Post-doctoral students receive base pay for this position based on the Stanford University minimum wage for post-doctoral students, candidate qualifications, and budget availability, among other factors.

HRS Recognizes Scientists in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing

Since 2001, Sanjiv M. Narayan, PhD, has been a cardiologist, first with the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Program at the University of California and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego and then as a professor and researcher at Stanford University Department of Medicine. Dr. Sanjiv Narayan, MD, received the 2022 Distinguished Scientist Award from the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) for his contributions to electrophysiology.

HRS is a resource organization for cardiac pacing and electrophysiology specialties. The HRS award is usually for individuals who have made significant contributions to cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. One of five awards the HRS offers, the Distinguished Scientist Award recognizes researchers and physicians who have made outstanding contributions to research and clinical areas, whose research has culminated in patents or innovations, or whose work has impacted their peers and patients. Winners receive recognition on the organization’s website and a commemorative plaque, among other rewards.

While the organization is no longer accepting applications for 2023, HRS will accept nominations for future awards. Those interested in nominating an individual should visit the website at http://www.hrsonline.org/about-us for more information on what documents to submit.

The History and Impact of the American Heart Association (AHA)

Sanjiv M Narayan, an MD and PhD holder, is an experienced physician and cardiologist. Since 2014, he has worked at Stanford University, California, as a professor of medicine. Sanjiv Narayan is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society and a fellow of the American Heart Association (AHA).

The American Heart Association was formed in 1924 through a collaboration of physicians and social workers seeking to improve heart disease prevention, treatment, and possibly cure. The need for this arose due to the high death rate caused by heart disease and the limited knowledge of its treatment. The organization began as a professional, scientific society with the contributions of several scientists and physicians. In 1925, it kicked off its annual scientific sessions, where various professionals converged to learn about the latest developments in the field.

Later in 1948, the AHA transformed into a voluntary health organization. Since then, the organization has comprised volunteers and professional staff and has expanded nationally and internationally. The American Heart Association has maintained its core mission of fighting heart disease and stroke in the country. So far, the body has provided quality care for over 19 million individuals with high blood pressure. It trains up to 22 million people in CPR every year, and in the past 74 years, it has invested up to $5 billion in research funding.

Genetics and Age Two Major Factors in Developing Atrial Fibrillation

California cardiologist Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, serves as Stanford University professor of medicine and guides the Atrial Fibrillation Program. Having served as co-director of electrophysiology with the University of California, San Diego and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego, Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, has contributed to novel therapy for many arrhythmias.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) involves irregular heartbeat and is one of the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmias tied to malfunction of the heart’s electrical system. Unfortunately, today’s risk prediction tools may not reflect the most recent research on AF rates and risk factors. From 2006 to 2010, data of participants 40 to 69 years old was collected by the UK Biobank. Of the study’s subjects, 348,904 were free from AF and were followed up at milestones such as first AF occurrence, death, the end of ten-year follow-up, or March 31, 2021.

Key takeaways were that heart failure or myocardial infarction history was the greatest risk factor for participants across the entire age range of patients. Diabetes mellitus and alcohol consumption were the next two on the list. In general, men with a high risk factor burden had the greatest 10-year risk, with age the critical factor. In addition, it was found that genetic predisposition has a pivotal role in defining AF risk, particularly among those who developed it at an early age. This suggests an avenue for further research, looking at men with genetic factors that may make them susceptible to the condition.

Medical Wearables Poised for Greater Practicality and Adoption

Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, is a cardiologist and professor at Stanford University who is responsible for the bioengineering of new arrhythmia medicine technologies. He also served the University of California, San Diego and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego as co-director of electrophysiology. Among the areas in which Dr. Sanjiv M. Narayan has a sustained interest is wearable medical technologies.

In a March 2023 interview, Thrive Wearables CEO Will Berriss described his team’s approach to device creation, which draws on a background in electrophysiology sensors and applications at the University of Sussex. He describes a consumerization of medical devices, from those used in physician offices to those worn by patients and monitored remotely. While wearables are still manufactured to strict standards and medical device certified, they often do not perform critical tasks, but rather enable health monitoring and the support of virtual wards.

As Berriss views it, accessibility is a hallmark of this approach, as is multi functionality: the Apple Watch is both a consumer electronics device and a medical device capable of measuring the body’s ECG signals. Thus far, not much standardization across devices has been implemented, and this is preventing even greater consumer adoption. When true standards exist, personalized treatment through tailored apps will become even more fine tuned and responsive. For example, massive troves of data from Medicare or Medicaid could be shared, intelligently processed, and used to treat a tumor in a patient in ways that reflect best practices among others with similar conditions and physiologies.