DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2024 – Amid encouraging advancements in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke, conditions that currently impact nearly half of all adults in the United States, healthcare experts are advocating for innovative solutions that can seamlessly integrate these life-saving technologies into the everyday routines of Americans. In a significant recognition of technological ingenuity, the American Heart Association’s Center for Health Technology & Innovation awarded Powerful Medical of New York the prestigious title of overall winner at its annual Health Tech Competition, held during the highly anticipated Scientific Sessions 2024. Additionally, Powerful Medical was celebrated as the victor in the Science subcategory, while HekaHeart of San Mateo, California, garnered top honors in the Business category.
Through this competition, the American Heart Association, which has dedicated over a century to its mission of promoting longer and healthier lives for all, is propelling the advancement of groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to revolutionize health outcomes related to the heart and brain.
Star Jones, a prominent American Heart Association national volunteer, lawyer, and television personality, reflected on her personal heart health journey when discussing the competition’s impactful presentations. “Thirteen years ago, during open heart surgery, I experienced an exceptional standard of care,” Jones noted. “It’s crucial that technological solutions democratize access to world-class healthcare, regardless of where a person lives, their racial background, or income level. Innovation that addresses these disparities is invaluable.”
The annual Health Tech Competition provides an exclusive live platform for healthcare technology start-ups to unveil innovative solutions aimed at treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases and strokes. The winning projects not only address crucial issues but also engage patients in their treatment journeys, combating widespread problems associated with conditions such as antithrombotic therapy, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension. Financially backed by the Laerdal Million Lives Fund, the competition is a hallmark event produced by the American Heart Association.
The 2024 Health Tech Competition crowned Powerful Medical as its winner for their innovative approach in augmenting the capabilities of physicians and care teams in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases through sophisticated AI tools.
“Currently, we are concentrating on heart attack diagnostics, which remains the leading cause of death,” explained Martin Herman, CEO of Powerful Medical. “However, this is merely our starting point.”
This state-of-the-art technology was chosen for its working prototype’s validity, scientific rigor, and substantial potential to enhance patient outcomes significantly.
Taking place from November 16-18, the Health Tech Competition was highlighted in Chicago during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, recognized as the foremost global gathering for advances in cardiovascular research and clinical practices.
Finalists presented groundbreaking technological solutions to address cardiovascular health challenges, such as heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Powerful Medical emerged as the winner based on comprehensive evaluations of health impact potential, business viability, and scientific evidence assessed by a panel of American Heart Association volunteers, industry experts, and members of the scientific community.
Moreover, HekaHeart received accolades for the best business pitch, paving the way for them to connect with influential leaders in both scientific and commercial sectors post-Scientific Sessions. HekaHeart operates as a guideline-directed medical therapy-led heart failure clinic, focusing on optimizing virtual medical consultations, aiding cardiology groups and health systems in enhancing patient outcomes while alleviating clinician workload and improving financial performance through medication optimization and volume management.
As part of their recognition, Powerful Medical and HekaHeart will gain membership to the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network, a collaborative consortium designed to unite entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, researchers, and payers to foster innovation in cardiovascular and brain health. Members of the Innovators’ Network have the unique opportunity to access the Association’s digital evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations, which will bolster their efforts in developing cutting-edge digital healthcare technologies. Additionally, members collaborate with the Center on various initiatives, including establishing models for clinical outcome studies, significantly reducing the costs associated with these studies while connecting science to technology, validating that digital platforms enhance healthcare outcomes—a critical concern for providers and payers alike.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, committed to ensuring equitable health for all communities. Through extensive collaborations with numerous organizations and mobilized by millions of dedicated volunteers, the Association funds innovative research, advocates for public health, and shares life-saving resources. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. Celebrating its Centennial year in 2024, the American Heart Association acknowledges its rich 100-year history and achievements, while continuing to pave the way for impactful discoveries and advancements in health for everyone, everywhere. Stay connected with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Karen Springs: 214-706-4831; [email protected]
Monica Sales: 214-706-1527; [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
How does Powerful Medical plan to address healthcare disparities in access to cardiovascular care?
**Interview with Martin Herman, CEO of Powerful Medical**
**Interviewer:** Martin, congratulations on Powerful Medical being named the overall winner at the American Heart Association’s Health Tech Competition! Can you tell us what this recognition means for your company and your mission?
**Martin Herman:** Thank you! We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition. It validates our commitment to transforming cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment using innovative technology. Our mission is to enhance the capabilities of physicians and care teams to better diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases, which are unfortunately the leading cause of death worldwide.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that your current focus is on heart attack diagnostics. What innovations is Powerful Medical implementing to address this critical health issue?
**Martin Herman:** Our team is developing sophisticated AI tools that can significantly aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks. These tools analyze patient data in real-time to provide physicians with critical information, enabling them to make informed decisions promptly. This is just the beginning for us—we plan to expand our innovations to address a broader range of cardiovascular conditions.
**Interviewer:** Star Jones highlighted the importance of democratizing access to healthcare technology during the competition. How does Powerful Medical aim to address healthcare disparities?
**Martin Herman:** That’s a vital point. Our technology is designed to be accessible to healthcare providers in various settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics. We believe that by equipping caregivers with powerful diagnostic tools regardless of their location, we can help level the playing field and ensure equitable access to quality cardiovascular care for everyone.
**Interviewer:** You also received recognition for your scientific rigor and potential health impact. Can you elaborate on how your solutions were assessed?
**Martin Herman:** Absolutely. Our working prototype underwent extensive evaluation based on health impact potential, business viability, and scientific evidence by a panel of experts, including American Heart Association volunteers. It’s essential not just to have technology that works, but also to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. We are proud that our prototype met those high standards.
**Interviewer:** As a winner, Powerful Medical gains membership in the Innovators’ Network. How do you plan to leverage this opportunity?
**Martin Herman:** Joining the Innovators’ Network is an exciting opportunity for us. It will allow us to collaborate with other innovators and access valuable resources like digital evidence-based guidelines. By partnering with a diverse group of stakeholders, we hope to fast-track our development efforts and ensure that our solutions align closely with the needs of healthcare providers.
**Interviewer:** what’s next for Powerful Medical after this significant win?
**Martin Herman:** Winning this competition is just the beginning. We are now focused on refining our technology, conducting clinical trials, and moving towards full-scale implementation. Our vision is to empower healthcare providers to tackle cardiovascular disease efficiently and effectively. We are excited about the road ahead and the positive impact we can make on public health.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Martin, and congratulations again on your accomplishments!
**Martin Herman:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss our work and the future of cardiovascular health technology.