Artificial intelligence in medicine

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cardiology signifies a profound transformation in healthcare, offering innovative solutions to combat the significant global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). AI presents many benefits, including improved image interpretation, enhanced patient recruitment for clinical trials, and increased accessibility to care, thus showcasing its potential to revolutionize the field. In this article, we highlight recent studies that demonstrate AI’s impact across various domains of cardiology, from refining point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) image interpretation to accurately identifying electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. Cleerly’s plaque analysis is particularly noteworthy, outperforming expert readers, indicating AI’s capacity to enhance cardiology practices significantly. However, the increasing integration of AI in healthcare necessitates careful consideration of ethical implications. Prioritizing transparency, accountability, and human-centric design is essential to mitigate potential risks associated with AI implementation. Moreover, encouraging physicians to adopt AI to alleviate burnout and enhance patient care underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements in medicine. Ultimately, the seamless incorporation of AI into healthcare holds promise for improving patient outcomes and signifies a transformative shift towards more efficient and effective healthcare delivery, thus reshaping the landscape of cardiovascular care and medicine for the better. Nevertheless, maintaining the human touch in healthcare remains paramount, necessitating ongoing education and collaboration to ensure responsible AI integration while upholding medical ethics and compassion.