In India, most patients consult a cardiologist only after experiencing chest pain. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing that narrative. Hospitals across the country are now adopting AI-based programmes to detect cardiac issues long before symptoms appear.
Mumbai Hospitals Lead the Shift
Two hospitals in Mumbai have already upgraded their cardiac suites with AI technology. Jaslok Hospital on Pedder Road announced on Saturday that its cardiologists can now assess a patient’s cardiovascular risk within seconds during outpatient consultations.
“Prevention Over Treatment,” Say Experts
“Our primary focus is prevention, not just treatment,” said Dr. Ajit Desai, senior cardiologist at Jaslok Hospital. “The AI programme evaluates a patient’s cardiac profile and predicts their risk of heart disease.”
Given that one in every three deaths in India is caused by heart disease, experts are emphasising the urgent need for proactive and preventive cardiac care.
AI Enhances Every Aspect of Cardiology
Dr. Ajay Mahajan, head of cardiology at KEM Hospital, highlighted the expansive role of AI in cardiac diagnostics. “From automatically detecting abnormal rhythms in ECGs to measuring ventricular function and identifying valve lesions in Echo scans, AI is transforming how we approach heart care,” he said.
He added that AI-guided optical coherence tomography (OCT) during angioplasty allows for precise measurements of vessel diameter, calcium detection, optimal stent placement, and even early diagnosis of stent failure.
Live 3D Mapping Improves Procedures
As reported by TOI, Interventional cardiologist Dr. Ananth Rao pointed out that AI-integrated angiography suites can now create real-time 3D images of coronary vessels, enabling doctors to identify calcium deposits, soft plaques, and clots before beginning procedures. “In short,” he said, “AI is an essential part of the future of medicine.”
The Future Is Preventive, Precise, and AI-Driven
With these technological advancements, Indian hospitals are moving from reactive to proactive cardiac care. AI is not only streamlining diagnostics and procedures but also enabling doctors to intervene before disease becomes symptomatic—offering patients a better chance at long-term heart health.