Avry Farmer

From AI to 3D printing, technology is shaping the way we solve and manage problems. Over the past 50 years, the medical scene, specifically, has seen an outbreak in the advancement of diagnoses and treatments for congenital heart defects. Conventional methods rely heavily on trial and error, but are limited by lack of donors, investments of time, or trial discrepancies. These results, as well as side effects and high expenses have led researchers to search for more efficient practices.  Read on to discover variations of conventional methods today, and where innovation will bring us in the future.

Artificial Intelligence

For years, sci-fi movies and comic books have fantasized of a life where technology can turn into personal assistants or solve world problems. With AI, we are starting to see a reality to this outlandish concept. As Jacc Journals explains, AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to “any technique that enables computers to generate algorithms and find hidden insights to mimic human intelligence” (Jone 4). A subcategory of AI, known as machine learning (ML), allows its programmers to generate, teach and predict the outcome of tests and trials. With this technology, CHDs can be diagnosed, detected before birth, and given an outline for planning. Cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, nuclear cardiac stress tests, and cardiac computed tomography (CT), operate as the “core of diagnosis and disease surveillance but require significant expertise and time for acquisition and interpretation.” With AI, data is measured and relayed with precision and efficiency. Healthcare facilities save time and can prioritize care plans for these patients on their road to recovery. 

Plant Phytochemicals

Another innovation of modern-day solutions is the use of plant phytochemicals, specifically with its treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Remedial plants can include Daucus carota, Nerium oleander, Amaranthus Viridis, Tinospora cordifolia, Mucuna pruriens, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Bombax ceiba, and Andrographis paniculate. Much like how plant-based foods are a proven preventive measure of obesity or other health defects, plant-based medicine produces similar benefits. These plants help to naturally relieve inflammation and oxidative stress and can prevent CVDs before they have the chance to develop in full. Many cardiovascular diseases are a result of high amounts of lipoproteins. These herbal remedies work to lower the levels of lipoproteins and, with it, the risk of related health defects, such as coronary artery disease, strokes, or heart attacks. 

Nanotechnology

A third solution brought on by technological advances is the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is defined as the operation of matter on an atomic scale to produce structures, materials, and devices. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when blood vessels that travel to the heart are disrupted with the creation of plaques, a buildup of cholesterol. The rupture of one of these plaques is known as thrombosis and can cause a heart attack or myocardial infarction. To combat this continuous struggle, nanoparticles are instilled with drugs and genes which can mend or extinguish plaques. Nanotechnology is proven to be beneficial to resolutions for heart conditions and assimilates well into our technology-based future. Overall, these methods of CHD treatments encourage efficiency and precision in a scene where time is a constant priority. 

Want To Get Involved?

Learn more about writing for us here