Secret life of… the cardiologist: advancing innovation while meeting emerging patient needs

To give you an example of 3D in action, let’s consider its use in diagnosing and managing heart valve disease. It’s primarily a disease of the elderly, so the incidence has been growing and will continue to along with an aging population that’s living longer. In the United States alone, the number of people 80 years or older is expected to increase to approximately 25 million by 2050. As a result, heart valve disease will become an increasing concern. 3D is perfect for a confident assessment of heart valve disease, and to help determine the best course of action quickly.

When intervention is needed, 3D means the heart team – cardiologist, surgeon, sonographer and anesthesiologist working together – can perform procedures with more confidence.

Besides the 3D revolution, what else has had an impact on my “secret” life?

Well, I’m glad to say we’ve succeeded in making the concept of the heart team the standard approach to patient care. On the other hand, as Philips’ Future Health Index reports, cardiovascular disease now tops the World Health Organization list of biggest killers in the world and is rapidly increasing in prevalence. I already see more and more older patients who are generally frail and present with many more chronic health issues, so I need to consider very carefully each patient’s overall quality of life. Sometimes this will mean helping patients live better – not always longer. These are complex decisions that must be made among the heart team with patients and families and clear expectations for outcomes. Perhaps that’s becoming my real professional secret: Increasingly, patient-centered cardiology will be about putting together a complete picture that helps everyone make the best choice.

Many countries around the globe simply don’t have the economic resources to provide the best quality cardiac care to their citizens. We must find more ways to increase access to affordable healthcare, and point-of-care ultrasound can certainly help with this. Our biggest achievement will continue to be the speed of our innovation. A decade ago there was really no hope for many patients who today benefit from exciting advances in cardiology.