KENTUCKY — February is the 100th anniversary of American Heart Month, which is a time to raise awareness about cardiac health and heart disease.
During this week’s In Focus Kentucky program, we’re highlighting efforts to improve heart health in Kentucky and across the country.
It’s an important issue — with nearly 1 in 3 Kentuckians dying from heart disease — but researchers are saying they believe new technology could help.
In a recent survey from the Cleveland Clinic, doctors found that about three in five Americans support using artificial intelligence to help their heart health.
The clinic said despite the higher number putting faith in technology, many remain cautious of how they use artificial intelligence regarding their health.
72% of Americans believe the health advice from computer chatbots is accurate, but nine in 10, or 89%, said they would seek a doctor’s advice before acting on the bot’s recommendations.
“The increasing number of advancements in AI and in digital health has the potential to transform health care delivery, especially in cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Samir Kapadia, chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, in a news release.
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes.
According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, estimates vary, but some reports suggest that about 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 80,000 young athletes die of sudden cardiac death each year.
And as a result, a Kentucky teenager is raising awareness about the condition — hoping to save people’s lives.
During this segment, Multimedia Journalist David Williams shares her story of survival and advocacy work in Frankfort
And as we continue to share reminders from the health experts about American Heart month, they also say it’s important for people to know their family heart health history.
Experts say that while factors like diet, exercise, and not smoking are all important for heart health, there are some risk factors that lifestyle changes can’t help.
There are three tests that can help you determine your risk if you have genetic or hereditary heart conditions.
Health experts say early detection is critical. If you have concerns about your heart health, experts say it’s important to visit your doctor and get screened. And the Bluegrass State is not alone in its efforts to address heart health.
A Milwaukee-area doctor and patient are among the first to use a new, life-saving device that creates healthy heart rhythms. Multimedia Journalist Megan Marshall with our Wisconision sister station met with them to see how it works during this segment.
You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.