Cardiologists

Cardiologists do many things – they listen to your heart, read scans (like ECGs or echocardiograms), and even perform operations ^[1]. Today, AI helps with some of these tasks. For example, a new tool called EchoNext can analyze ECG tests and spot heart disease better than some humans ^[2].

Another study found an AI program reading long ECG recordings caught dangerous rhythms (arrhythmias) more often than human reviewers ^[2]. Even a smart stethoscope (Eko Duo) can use AI to detect heart problems in seconds ^[3]. These AI tools (augmentation) give doctors more data and save time, but they don’t replace the doctor.

Complex skills – like doing a valve replacement or comforting a worried patient – still need a human’s judgment and compassion ^{[4] [1]}.

Hospitals and clinics are just starting to use these tools. In India, Apollo Hospitals is investing heavily in AI to handle routine work (notes, test reviews, scheduling) so doctors have more time for patients ^[2]. In the U.S., studies note doctors think AI is best for paperwork and checklists, not for making final diagnoses ^{[5] [6]}.

Big obstacles slow adoption. New AI tools cost a lot to develop, test, and train staff on, and health care is highly specialized ^[6]. Strict rules and patient trust also matter: most people expect a real doctor to review AI results.

On the positive side, AI could help reach more patients – for example, automated echo reading might bring basic heart care to rural areas under doctor oversight ^[4]. In short, AI may ease some cardiologists’ burdens, but caring for patients will still rely on human skills and relationships ^{[4] [5]}.