When Technology Listens to the Heart
A new generation of medical innovations in cardiology brings more than just therapies — it brings new opportunities for a healthier, more active future.
The Greatest Burden, the Greatest Opportunity
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in both Slovenia and the EU. Each year, around 7,500 people in Slovenia die from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for over one-third of all deaths. At the same time, these diseases represent a major financial burden for healthcare systems and society, estimated at €282 billion annually across the EU.
The most common conditions include high blood pressure (arterial hypertension), coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and several other, less frequent conditions.
Slovenia introduced its National Programme for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases back in 2002, which laid an important foundation for tackling this challenge. However, data show that innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and integrated care remains crucial.
Key Areas of Innovation in Cardiovascular Care
Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging Technologies
Technologies such as 4D MRI, iterative CT reconstruction, FFR-CT, and digital simulation for surgical planning enable exceptional precision in detecting and planning cardiovascular interventions.
Sensors and Artificial Intelligence
Wearable sensors combined with AI algorithms enable early detection of heart conditions, personalised risk assessment, and proactive disease management—even outside clinical settings.
Prevention and Disease Burden Management
Up to 90% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation.
Robotics and Minimally Invasive Procedures
Robotic systems and advanced catheter technologies enhance surgical precision, reduce complications, and shorten recovery times, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
Technological Progress
The growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the demand for personalised care are driving the development of new technologies. Wearable devices (such as Apple, Fitbit, and Withings) enable real-time heart rhythm monitoring, increasing patient safety. Artificial intelligence developed by companies like Philips and Siemens Healthineers supports risk assessment and therapy adjustment, while robotics (e.g. Intuitive Surgical) and minimally invasive methods reduce physical strain and accelerate recovery.
3D printing allows the creation of patient-specific heart implants, and regenerative medicine holds promise for the restoration of cardiac tissue. XR technologies (such as Microsoft HoloLens in cardiac surgery) enhance surgical precision, while advanced materials and low-radiation techniques improve patient safety.
At the same time, Slovenian companies like MESI demonstrate that innovations from smaller ecosystems can make a significant impact on global healthcare progress.
Patient at the Centre of Digital Solutions
Modern digital tools place the patient at the heart of care, giving them a greater role in managing their own health. Wearable devices and mobile applications collect data on heart rate, blood pressure, and other biomarkers, transmitting them in real time to integrated portals accessible to both patients and physicians.
This flow of information enhances disease understanding, enables faster therapy adjustments, and strengthens the partnership between doctor and patient.
Online portals further empower patients with features such as appointment scheduling, access to test results, and secure communication with healthcare professionals.
Integrating these functions lays the foundation for personalised care and improved quality of life, as patients actively participate in decisions that affect their health.
Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming cardiology by enabling more accurate diagnoses, better risk prediction, and personalised therapies. Algorithms already assist in CT angiography analysis for detecting coronary disease (e.g. HeartFlow) and in early detection of atrial fibrillation using wearables like Apple Watch and Fitbit.
In clinical practice, smart stethoscopes use AI to identify heart murmurs, while other AI-based tools analyse electronic health records to predict heart failure.
A major opportunity lies in combining AI with wearables for long-term ECG and blood pressure monitoring, allowing timely detection of acute complications. Cydar Medical is already demonstrating how AI can support surgeons in real-time intraoperative navigation, while the Slovenian startup Savvy is developing a portable ECG device for easy home monitoring of heart rhythm.
Research Projects and Collaboration Opportunities
The development of cardiovascular technologies is a highly dynamic field combining patient-centred care, AI integration, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced materials. These innovations promise greater treatment efficiency and long-term cost reduction.
The Horizon Europe framework supports projects such as DataTools4Heart (secure reuse of cardiology data) and AI4HF (AI for heart failure management). Additional opportunities for research and collaboration are available through EU4Health, which promotes prevention and health system strengthening, and the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), which connects academia, industry, and clinical institutions to develop advanced cardiovascular therapies and digital solutions.
To fully harness this potential, joint research projects linking academia, clinicians, industry, and policymakers are essential.
If you are developing a solution or looking for partners, visit our project and organisation catalogue or submit your expression of interest – we will help you connect with the right consortium.
Do You Have an Innovative Solution or Research Idea in the Field of Cardiovascular Diseases?
Let us know or visit our partner catalogue to explore collaboration and funding opportunities!
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