PH cardiologists now using AI for heart diagnostics, medication — PHA

By TechWatch PH

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has embraced the use of modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the country.

PHA former president Dr. Rodney Jimenez said this during the association’s celebration of its 25th year of joining the global observance of World Heart Day (WHD), themed “Galaw-Galaw Pilipinas.”

“We’re now embracing the presence of artificial intelligence — both in diagnosing and in treating heart problems,” Dr. Jimenez said.

“Technology serves as a partner to the history of physical examination. To accurately determine if a person truly has a heart condition, advanced diagnostics are crucial because they provide higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting cardiovascular diseases,” he added.

According to the Mayo Clinic, AI applications in medicine include detecting heart disease, speeding up stroke treatment, and enhancing radiology diagnostics.

One of its studies found that AI-based screening could detect left ventricular dysfunction—a heart problem with no visible symptoms—93 percent of the time, outperforming mammogram accuracy rates at 85 percent.

AI developed at Mayo Clinic is also integrated into the Apple Watch to help detect weak heart pumps.

In the Philippines, technology is also revolutionizing cardiac care access. The Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center recently inaugurated the country’s first AI-powered catheterization laboratory (cath lab) — a facility essential for diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as blocked arteries, arrhythmia, and heart valve issues.

This innovation bridges a long-standing gap in specialized cardiac services in Bataan and neighboring provinces.

Even young innovators are joining the movement. A team of Grade 11 students from Quezon City Science High School developed an AI software called “Pintig,” designed to detect plaque buildup in the heart from CT scan images with impressive accuracy and speed.

Ischaemic heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, and experts say that integrating AI in detection and treatment is a game-changer for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Galaw-Galaw Pilipinas

The celebration also featured meaningful discussions from experts including PHA President Dr. Walid Amil, PHA Secretary Dr. Richard Henry Tiongco II, and was hosted by PHA Advocacy Chair Dr. Iris Garcia with PHA Treasurer Dr. Luigi Segundo.

Expressions of support poured in from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Jean Pauline Tee, and Quezon City Government Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator and Barangay Captain Franze Russelle Bilaos.

Other notable speakers included Dr. Avenilo Aventura Jr., PHA Director II and Executive Director of the Philippine Heart Center; Dr. Michael Joseph Agbayani, who discussed arrhythmia; and Dr. Don Reyes, chair of the PHA Council on CPR, which led free CPR training sessions during the event.

Free CPR training (PHA)

The event pulsed with energy as students from Metro Manila and Nueva Ecija joined the WHD Jingle Reels Contest, proving that the PHA Puso Muna advocacy continues to thrive in the digital era.

Celebrity fitness ambassadors Coaches Jim and Toni Saret also introduced new Zumba moves, inspiring participants to keep their hearts healthy through fun physical activity.