(NewMediaWire) - November 18, 2024 - DALLAS – While major advances are being made in prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which affects nearly 50% of adults in the U.S.,[1] experts urge new solutions to put these innovations in the hands of Americans and apply them to their daily habits. The American Heart Association Center for Health Technology & Innovation named Powerful Medical of New York the overall winner of its annual Health Tech Competition during the organization’s Scientific Sessions 2024, as well as the winner of the Science subcategory. HekaHeart of San Mateo, Calif. was named the winner of the Business category.

Through the competition, the Association - the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all for more than 100 years - aims to drive technological advancements with the potential to transform heart and brain health outcomes.

One of the event judges, Star Jones, American Heart Association national volunteer, lawyer and TV personality, said the scenario discussed reminded her of her own heart health journey. “Thirteen years ago (during open heart surgery), I had an amazing standard of care,” Jones said. “Technology solutions that can level the playing field to get world class care wherever they live is important. Several solutions address the ability to get that same standard of care no matter what your race is, your location is, no matter your income level – and that innovation is so important.”

The Association’s annual Health Tech Competition offers a live forum for healthcare technology start-up companies to showcase innovative solutions for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Winning ideas involve, engage or support patient treatment and solve a pervasive problem in antithrombotic, coronary artery disease/acute coronary syndrome, cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome, cardiometabolic, electrophysiology, heart failure, hypertension, imaging, lipids, resuscitation, stroke, surgery or vascular medicine. The Health Tech Competition is supported financially by the Laerdal Million Lives Fund and produced by the American Heart Association.

The 2024 winner of the Health Tech Competition, Powerful Medical, seeks to augment physicians and care teams in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases using AI tools.

“At the moment, our focus is heart attack diagnostics as the number one killer, but it’s just a start for us,” said Martin Herman, chief executive officer of Powerful Medical.

This innovative technology was selected as the winner based on the validity of the working prototype, scientific rigor and potential impact on patient outcomes.

The Health Tech Competition was held live from November 16-18 and was showcased in Chicago during the Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, the premier global event for advancements in cardiovascular science and medicine.

Finalists offered solutions featuring novel technological solutions to cardiovascular health issues such as heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and others. Powerful Medical was chosen as the winner based on their potential health impact, business and technology promise and scientific evidence as judged by panels of aha volunteers, industry experts and scientific community.  

A panel of expert volunteer judges also selected HekaHeart as the best business pitch, opening opportunities for them to connect with scientific and business leaders after Scientific Sessions. As a guideline-directed medical therapy-led heart failure clinic focused on optimizing virtual medical visits, HekaHeart helps cardiology groups and health systems optimize patient outcomes, reduce clinician burden, & improve financial performance through medication optimization & volume management.

Powerful Medical and HekaHeart will receive membership to the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network, a consortium that connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers and payers to advance innovation in cardiovascular and brain health. Innovators' Network members also have the opportunity to access the Association's digital evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations as they develop digital healthcare technologies. Members collaborate with the Center in different ways, including building models for clinical outcome studies, which lowers the significant cost of developing those studies independently, helping connect the science to technology and providing evidence that a digital platform improves healthcare outcomes – a key concern for providers and payers.

Additional Resources

• Multimedia available on the right column of the release link.
• AHA news release: 5 health tech finalists announced in global competition for their heart disease solutions
• AHA news release: Winner announced in Scientific Sessions 2023 Health Tech Competition
• AHA news release: 5 finalists announced in global Health Tech Competition
• Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect 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; karen.springs@heart.org

Monica Sales: 214-706-1527; monica.sales@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org