SAVING LIVES

The last year of screening saw continued success in identifying those individuals at highest risk for sudden cardiac events, including those with high-risk accessory pathways (Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome) as well as individuals at risk of developing unstable ventricular arrhythmias (Long QT Syndrome and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). In the case of the former condition, permanent cures could be effected, while in the case of the latter conditions, potentially life-saving therapies could be offered.

And yet, despite these very important achievements, I am personally even more proud of the expanding success we have had with transitioning to an all-electronic form of electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screening. Moving to this approach has dramatically increased the accuracy of readings and has enabled the staff of AugustHeart to bring screening to even more diversified groups of students than before. Perhaps even more importantly, it has helped to lay the groundwork for potential future use of artificial intelligence strategies to enable screening of even larger cohorts of students with potentially higher accuracy than physician reviews alone!

With the continued efforts of all of the volunteers, donors and other program supporters, I remain confident that we can continue to expand the screening efforts of AugustHeart. On a very personal note, I am truly grateful and inspired by all of them. Additionally with the continued evolution of screening technologies, I am both incredibly excited and optimistic that we can improve even further the rapidity, accuracy and acceptability of cardiac screening so that no family has to endure the tragic, unexpected loss of a young family member.

In gratitude and service,
David Bush, MD, PhD

The last year of screening saw continued success in identifying those individuals at highest risk for sudden cardiac events, including those with high-risk accessory pathways (Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome) as well as individuals at risk of developing unstable ventricular arrhythmias (Long QT Syndrome and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). In the case of the former condition, permanent cures could be effected, while in the case of the latter conditions, potentially life-saving therapies could be offered.

And yet, despite these very important achievements, I am personally even more proud of the expanding success we have had with transitioning to an all-electronic form of electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screening. Moving to this approach has dramatically increased the accuracy of readings and has enabled the staff of AugustHeart to bring screening to even more diversified groups of students than before. Perhaps even more importantly, it has helped to lay the groundwork for potential future use of artificial intelligence strategies to enable screening of even larger cohorts of students with potentially higher accuracy than physician reviews alone!

With the continued efforts of all of the volunteers, donors and other program supporters, I remain confident that we can continue to expand the screening efforts of AugustHeart. On a very personal note, I am truly grateful and inspired by all of them. Additionally with the continued evolution of screening technologies, I am both incredibly excited and optimistic that we can improve even further the rapidity, accuracy and acceptability of cardiac screening so that no family has to endure the tragic, unexpected loss of a young family member.

In gratitude and service,
David Bush, MD, PhD