Interview/ Arindam Sen, director, Heartnet India Pvt Ltd
The Internet of Things has seamlessly integrated into our lives, extending from our kitchens to our very bodies. One of IoT’s most significant impacts is its role in the early detection of diseases. Indian innovators have developed significant solutions tailored for India, considering the country’s size and diversity. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Arindam Sen, director of Heartnet India Pvt Ltd, discusses one such solution by his firm for early heart disease detection. Excerpts:
Could you explain how IoT-driven solutions enhanced by AI facilitate early heart disease detection?
In recent years, heart disease has become a significant issue in India, leading to a high number of deaths. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for almost 25 per cent of all deaths in the country. A key obstacle is identifying heart problems at an early stage, particularly in remote areas with limited health care access. This is where IoT technologies like Heartnet step in. Heartnet collects crucial information such as heart rate and blood pressure, and transmits it to a monitoring platform via the internet. AI subsequently examines the data for any discrepancies and alerts health care professionals. This technology has the potential to improve health care access in remote areas, enabling patients to track their cardiac health and avoid severe complications in the future.
What prompted the development of this innovation?
The abrupt increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease among close friends and family members, particularly among those in younger age groups, prompted a serious consideration of strategies for prevention. Subsequent research into lifestyle factors, the impact of diabetes and familial predisposition to cardiovascular issues culminated in the development of the Heartnet.
Could you elaborate on the role AI plays in this mechanism?
Heartnet’s AI algorithms can precisely identify indications of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation or any abnormalities in the heart. This allows for early treatment, minimising the chances of life-threatening complications and enhancing patient results. Using AI technology assists in predicting the chances of developing heart conditions by examining a person's information such as medical background, way of living and genetic elements. This enables doctors associated with Heartnet to customise treatment plans and advise patients according to their specific risk factors, consequently decreasing the chances of developing future heart diseases.
AI is not only utilised for early detection and prediction but also for remote monitoring and management of heart conditions. Remote monitoring of cardiac complications can greatly enhance the treatment of chronic conditions. Through regular screening of a patient's health records, these algorithms identify trends that could indicate a high risk of developing heart diseases, enabling health care professionals to intervene early and avoid potential heart problems.