Even though we have plenty of definitions out there, our lives are basically a just puzzle that we try to solve in the best possible way. This has proven to be factual from a holistic, as well as granular standpoint. Now, when you are dealing with such an expansive realm, things can expectantly get tricky in no time, hence more often than not, we end up needing some sort of help along the way. Talking about help in the said regard, we have got it in various different forms over the years, and yet, a quick assessment will reveal how none of those permutations stack up against technology. Technology emerges as the clear winner in such discussions because it introduced a dynamic that most people couldn’t have imagined in their wildest dreams. To better contextualize it, we need to focus upon the manner in which this creation impacted our entire spectrum, including the all-important healthcare sector. Technology’s entry into healthcare had actually occurred amidst some sizeable doubt. However, the scenario, as we know, will change big time. In fact, once it does, it will put us on a trajectory that is still trending upwards, and the latest piece of evidence for the same arrives in Eko’s recent announcement.
Eko, an Oakland, California-based medtech company, has officially released a redesigned version of its app, which is purposed to facilitate cardiovascular disease screening. As per certain reports, the new version allows you to detect a range of conditions like atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, a slower than normal heart rate, tachycardia, a heart rate over 100 beats per minute, and more. These automated procedures are, of course, carried out in conjunction with Eko’s smart stethoscopes and FDA-cleared AI algorithms. If we talk about what sets Eko apart from other medtech companies, it’s the organization’s bid to democratize cardiac healthcare. At present, cardiac issues are up there as the biggest cause of death in the US, and in all honesty, this grim picture is largely rooted in poor early detection. Hence, by bringing its smart stethoscopes and cutting-edge detection technology to the general medical landscape, Eko can genuinely make a difference for many vulnerable patients.
Beyond the technology itself, the company has interestingly made its cardiovascular package available to all the primary healthcare providers. The reason behind it, as indicated earlier, talks to the attempt of bolstering early detection. So, when any inconsistency is observed during, let’s say, even your regular check-up, these providers will have the relevant evidence to timely refer you to a qualified professional.
“The biggest potential impact is the opportunity to treat more patients with undiagnosed heart conditions earlier in the disease progression when intervention can have more favorable outcomes. We know that in some rural and developing areas, access to specialists such as a cardiologist can be limited or even unavailable for the local population,” said Connor Landgraf, CEO and co-founder at Eko
