WHAT IS BREAKING YOUR HEART?
Technologies and platforms that increase the efficiency of healthcare and help people live a healthier life are here to help.
The connection between healthcare and technology is based on one thing — humanity.
To be able to connect data, technology, and people seamlessly means that health knows no bounds. Neither should healthcare.
In South Africa, however, healthcare is a study in contrasts which requires a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, catering to the needs of people who do not have access to even basic healthcare, and on the other, addressing the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Some heart-wrenching facts:
About 210 people die from heart disease every day in South Africa, and the figure is rising;
Cardiovascular disease is the No 1 cause of death globally, accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year;
The global number of deaths from heart disease is set to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030; and
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by changing behaviours and eliminating risk factors. So how we do bridge the gap between Seamless Cardiology and Access to Care? Dr Andrew Sharp, consultant interventional cardiologist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in the UK, said image-guided therapy, systems and devices such as advanced ultrasounds, planning and navigation software for clinicians, and services supported by a global network of leading clinical partners can assist in cardiovascular care.
Sharp, who completed part of his training at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, said the value in a country like South Africa was cost-saving.
“Tech like angiograms that we were used to is just not good enough anymore. New technology allows a doctor to make better decisions for each case, by using a better integration of information.”
An example is the Azurion, from Philips medical technologists which uses revolutionary image-guided therapy. It could eliminate the need for multiple stents in patients with angina or chest pain.
“It is quicker, safer and helps with long-term prevention. Heart attacks generally need stent treatment, but up to a third of angina might not. The imaging allows us to assess better and avoid unnecessary stent procedures, which saves costs in a developing country like South Africa, or for us in the UK with a burdened NHS.”
He said preventative measures using the technology could mean different problems are diagnosed, and different drugs prescribed. “We know that incorrect stenting does a patient harm in the long run. The old ways of diagnoses are just are not as safe.”
Philips, which has been involved in African health for over 125 years has developed a device called the Volcano which uses a pressure wire to pull a nanoscopic sensor through arteries to pinpoint complications, down to the millimeter.
Holistic care begins with the heart, of course, but it also looks beyond the disease to understand what matters for people at the centre of care, said Jasper Westerink, CEO of Philips Africa. “We have a deep understanding of the challenges that affect overall performance of our healthcare systems and we see the numerous opportunities to make it better. Innovation has been, and will always be at the heart of Philips.” Sponsored by Philips.