Cardiovascular disease is a significant health challenge in India, affecting people at a younger age and resulting in increased morbidity, premature deaths, and high healthcare expenditures. To address this, technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and genomics can be leveraged to predict and prevent cardiovascular disease. AI can spot risk signals that humans may miss, while genomics can identify individuals who are predisposed to disease and respond best to certain therapies. By combining AI and genomics, cardiac care can shift from late rescue to early prediction and prevention.
In India, silent disease is common, with many asymptomatic individuals carrying early atherosclerotic plaque. Predictive tools such as AI can be game-changing in identifying those at risk. For example, Apollo’s Connected Care platform uses AI to monitor patients in real-time, triggering rapid-response teams at the first sign of deterioration. This has resulted in an 80% drop in unexpected code blue emergencies.
AI is also being used to support doctors in diagnosis, with AI flags highlighting early signs of stroke, micro-calcifications, and polyps. Additionally, AI models can read routine ECGs and chest X-rays to predict future cardiac risk. Genomics adds another layer, with polygenic risk scores identifying young people at high lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease.
However, there are challenges to be addressed, including costs, accessibility, and training for clinicians. Advanced genomic panels and AI monitoring are not yet affordable for every family, and 60% of hospitals and 80% of doctors are located in urban centers, leaving rural districts underserved. To overcome these challenges, policy and industry must work together to integrate AI-enabled screening into public health, protect patients while rewarding innovation, and invest in people through national upskilling programs in clinical AI and genomics.
By aligning incentives around earlier detection, smarter triage, and personalized prevention, India can lead in cardiac innovation and create a healthier, more productive nation. The convergence of AI and genomics provides an opportunity to execute with speed, equity, and trust, resulting in fewer admissions for heart failure, fewer catastrophic events, and a stronger workforce. With intent and action, India can unlock a healthier, more productive nation and lead in cardiac innovation globally.