World Heart Podcast

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Sara de Rozier

Health Equity at the Novartis Foundation

In this episode of the World Heart Podcast, we explore the transformative role of data and digital technologies in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our guest, Sara de Rozier, Director of Health Equity at the Novartis Foundation, joins Tony Johnston to discuss the potential of data-driven solutions, innovative AI tools, and public-private partnerships in improving heart health globally.

As part of the World Heart Observatory initiative, this conversation delves into how data integration can help policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patients better understand and manage cardiovascular risk factors.

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Key Takeaways

The Role of Data in Preventive Cardiology

• Data serves as the foundation for developing technologies like health apps and chatbots that empower individuals to take proactive steps toward heart health.
• By analyzing data trends, researchers can identify high-risk populations and develop targeted interventions.

The World Heart Observatory: A Global Data Hub

• The World Heart Observatory compiles data from various sources to provide insights into the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
• Supported by the Novartis Foundation, this initiative enhances understanding of CVD trends, enabling evidence-based decision-making for policymakers and healthcare systems.

Health Equity & Digital Innovations

• Health equity means ensuring that all populations have access to quality cardiovascular care, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
• Social determinants like income, education, and urban environment significantly impact heart health outcomes.

AI for Healthy Cities: A Data-Driven Approach

• A groundbreaking initiative in cities like New York, Lisbon, and Singapore, AI for Healthy Cities integrates health and non-health data to identify risk factors for heart disease.
• Through collaborations with policymakers, academic institutions, and technology leaders like Microsoft, this project aims to shape new health policies.

Innovative Digital Health Solutions

• AI-powered chatbots help individuals monitor blood pressure and receive personalized health guidance.
• Real-time data analysis enables predictive healthcare, shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
• Mobile apps like LifeStone in Rwanda provide incentives for users to track their vitals and maintain healthy habits.

Bridging Data Gaps & Overcoming Challenges

• Many regions lack standardized healthcare data systems, making it difficult to track cardiovascular disease trends.
• Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and global health organizations are essential to ensuring high-quality, reliable data collection.

Collaboration for a Healthier Future

• Effective cardiovascular care requires joint efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, technology, education, and policymaking.
• The Cardio4Cities Accelerator, launched at the World Health Assembly, is expanding preventive heart health programs to 30 countries over three years.