Every year on Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, people come together to recognize and remember all those who were born with congenital heart defects, as well as the families and friends whom these youngsters have impacted. 

AI is underutilized in the clinical context for diagnosing, prognosis, and treating patients with congenital heart disease. AI technologies significantly impact cardiac imaging and have several applications in health care delivery, including deep phenotyping, precision medicine, computer-assisted diagnostics, risk prediction and stratification, clinical decision support, and personalized medication.

Utilizing AI today can significantly boost the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, increase the rates of early identification, improve treatment outcomes, and offer vital support to afflicted individuals and their families. HD Medical Inc. has stated that, as part of the World Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Week in 2021, it has conducted screenings for CHDs on more than 50,000 youngsters using HD Steth, a stethoscope equipped with ECG and AI technology. These screenings have been carried out at several places in India, preserving over 36 lives. HD Medical intends to broaden the testing to encompass more than 500,000 youngsters globally.

Likewise, the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals in India administered life-saving therapies and operations to youngsters afflicted with CHD. The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani hospitals in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana are India's most extensive healthcare facilities that offer free pediatric heart operations. They have conducted about 14,000 surgeries and catheter interventions since 2012. 

AI in Early Detection

AI systems can examine medical imaging data, such as echocardiograms, fetal ultrasounds, and MRI scans, to identify minor irregularities that may indicate congenital heart defects (CHDs). By automating this procedure, artificial intelligence mitigates the potential for human mistakes and empowers healthcare practitioners to detect congenital heart defects (CHDs) at an earlier stage. It facilitates timely intervention and enhances the overall prognosis for CHD patients.

AI in personalized treatment

AI uses machine learning to examine extensive datasets containing patient demographics, medical histories, and treatment outcomes. By doing so, it can detect trends and create personalized treatment regimens for people with CHD. This method improves the effectiveness of treatment, reduces risks, and maximizes the use of resources, ultimately enhancing the quality of care given to patients with CHD.

AI in public awareness campaigns 

AI-driven analytics systems can examine social media trends, internet forums, and news stories to assess public mood and pinpoint significant subjects about CHD awareness. By utilizing this data, organizations may customize awareness programs to focus on particular demographics, optimize their reach, and actively involve communities in significant discussions about CHDs, thus promoting empathy, comprehension, and support for affected individuals and families.

AI in supportive resources

AI can be used in supportive resources to assist individuals with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and their caretakers. AI-powered virtual assistants can provide various services, including information, resources, and emotional support. These virtual companions can respond to inquiries, offer tailored guidance, facilitate connections with support communities, and furnish reminders for medications and appointments. Consequently, they enable individuals to effectively handle their condition and successfully negotiate the intricacies of living with a congenital heart defect (CHD).

Conclusion

This World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, we must recognize AI's influence on raising awareness, discovering CHDs early, treating them, and supporting those affected. We can improve the quality of life for CHD patients and promote compassion, empathy, and unity worldwide using AI technology. Together, let us utilize the power of AI to raise awareness, encourage early intervention, and fight for better outcomes for persons with congenital heart abnormalities.