Viz.ai and the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association join forces to enhance care for individuals with HCM, aiming to reduce underdiagnosis and improve treatment outcomes. The collaboration utilises AI algorithms to expedite diagnosis and promote patient advocacy and education.
Viz.ai and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Forge Partnership to Boost Diagnosis and Treatment
San Francisco, CA – In a bid to enhance care for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Viz.ai has announced a collaboration with the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). The partnership aims to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of this prevalent, yet underdiagnosed, cardiovascular disease.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals under 35, affects approximately one million people in the United States. However, only 20% of those affected have been diagnosed. HCM involves the thickening of the heart muscles, which hampers the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. The condition also increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, and heart failure.
Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the HCMA, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Thanks to our partnership with Viz.ai, we now have the opportunity to offer more support, advocacy, and education to patients, families, the medical community, and the public regarding hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Together, we can enhance the lives of individuals with HCM, prevent premature deaths, and advance global understanding.”
Currently, receiving an HCM diagnosis can take anywhere from two to five years after symptoms first appear. Viz.ai has developed a machine learning algorithm that can detect signs of HCM through routine ECGs, thereby reducing the diagnostic process to about 90 days from the initial AI-powered detection to the final diagnosis confirmation. Additionally, Viz.ai has initiated the HCM Education Series, featuring educational webinars led by specialists and patient advocates.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the HCMA and have a positive impact on HCM patient care by addressing the misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of this disease and the lengthy patient journey,” said Gad Sakin, Chief Product Officer at Viz.ai. “We hope that by identifying the disease earlier, we can enable patients with HCM to have a higher quality of life and help risk stratify patients early.”
Founded in 1996, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association serves as an international resource for patients, families, and the medical community. The organisation provides services that enhance understanding, support research, and ensure high-quality healthcare for those affected by HCM. The HCMA also manages a network of over 50 Recognized Centers of Excellence for the treatment and management of this genetic cardiac disorder.
Viz.ai, on the other hand, is a leader in utilizing AI algorithms and machine learning to speed up the diagnosis and care processes. The company’s Viz.ai One is an AI-powered platform used in over 1,600 hospitals and health systems across the US and Europe, aiding in identifying suspected diseases and optimising care pathways.
As both entities join forces, the focus is on accelerating the time to diagnosis and treatment for HCM patients, thereby potentially reducing the drastic effects of late diagnoses and providing patients with access to new, life-improving treatments. The collaboration also underlines the advancements that have been made in AI technology for healthcare, and how such innovations can significantly impact patient outcomes.
By combing the expertise of Viz.ai’s AI technology and the HCMA’s resources and advocacy, this partnership aims to bring transformative changes to the HCM landscape, offering hope to the large number of patients who are yet to be diagnosed.
