Cardiac Imaging: AI Enhances Heart Diagnosis Precision

Cardiac imaging has transformed from a supportive tool into a fundamental element of modern cardiology, according to experts at the Indian Academy of Echocardiography (IAE) conference in Thiruvananthapuram. President of IAE Kerala Chapter, Dr. Sunitha Viswanathan, emphasized that innovations in echocardiography and multimodality imaging have drastically improved both diagnostic accuracy and interventional success.

Techniques such as strain imaging, 3D echocardiography, and AI-assisted image analysis are elevating the precision and safety of cardiac procedures. Artificial intelligence and automation specifically enhance visualization, accuracy, and reproducibility. This allows for earlier identification of heart muscle dysfunction and more secure execution of complex interventions.

Dr. Shantanu Sengupta, national president of IAE, addressed the growing concern of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). He noted that increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity are contributing to HFpEF becoming a significant health issue, particularly in middle-aged and elderly populations.

Organizing chairman Dr. A George Koshy described cardiac imaging as a 'therapeutic compass,' guiding critical treatment decisions. Imaging now dictates the timing, strategy, and safety for managing conditions like HFpEF, congenital heart disease, prosthetic valve dysfunction, and structural heart interventions. The conference focused on integrating advanced echocardiography with CT, MRI, and catheter-based procedures.