Artificial intelligence (AI) can make a vital difference in the lives of heart patients. From personalized assessments of complications and mortality risks to tailored recovery programmes and better doctor-patient communication, AI offers immense potential to improve post-operative care.

Heart attacks are responsible for over 9.5 million deaths worldwide each year, accounting for more than 15% of total deaths, according to the World Health Organization. While the possibility to save lives during operations has improved over the last decade, the outpatient phase remains a challenge, due to shortages of specialists, facilities and costs to address specific patient needs.

To address these challenges, AI-powered telemedicine can reduce communication challenges between patients and physicians, as well as enable remote health monitoring.

Lifesaving personalized data

This is why the Scientific Research Institute for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence Development, under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, is developing a telemedicine system for cardiac recovery outpatients.

The system uses AI to predict adverse cardiovascular events, tailor rehabilitation programmes to the severity of each patient’s condition, and remotely monitor patient health and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. It automatically analyses data and adjusts rehabilitation plans based on physiological parameters, medication responses, and exercise tolerance.

The pilot RE.Cardio system – currently being tested at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology – includes a web application for cardiologists and a mobile app for patients. Already, it is motivating patients to actively participate in their recovery. The next step is a transition from isolated machine learning algorithms to fully integrated deep learning models.

The project aims to develop and integrate personalized:

Language options for voice interactions are especially important as many elderly patients face challenges using touch-based mobile app interactions.

How ITU supports the healthcare ecosystem

Standards and guidelines from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are crucial for the growing the integration of AI and telemedicine in healthcare.

Unified data transmission standards, enhanced cybersecurity, and innovative digital technologies all help create the global ecosystem for effective AI use. Coordination through ITU is key to scale up these advanced solutions, both internationally and within countries like Uzbekistan.

The resulting cardiac outpatient recovery systems exemplify how innovation can improve health outcomes, quality of life and overall human well-being