Computer-Interpreted Electrocardiograms: Impact on Cardiology Practice

Abstract In the realm of modern cardiology, the integration of computer-interpreted electrocardiograms (CI-ECGs) has marked the beginning of a new era of diagnostic precision and efficiency. Contemporary electrocardiogram (ECG) integration systems, applying algorithms and artificial intelligence, have modernized the interpretation of heart rhythms and cardiac morphology. Due to their ability to rapidly analyze and interpret ECG recordings CI-ECGs have already profoundly impacted clinical practice. This review explores the evolution of computer interpreted ECG technology, evaluates the pros and cons of current automatic reporting systems, analyzes the growing role of artificial intelligence on ECG interpretation technologies, and discusses emerging applications that may have transformative effects on patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the role of ECGs in the automatic diagnosis of occlusion myocardial infarctions (OMI). AI models enhance accuracy and efficiency in ECG interpretation, offering insights into cardiac function and aiding timely detection of concerning patterns for accurate clinical diagnoses. The shift to AI-driven diagnostics has emphasized the importance of data in the realm of cardiology by improving patient care. The integration of novel AI models in ECG analysis has created a promising future for ECG diagnostics through a synergistic fusion of feature-based machine learning models, deep learning approaches, and clinical acumen. Overall, CI-ECGs have transformed cardiology practice, offering rapid, accurate, and standardized analyses. These systems reduce interpretation time significantly, allowing for quick identification of abnormalities. However, sole reliance on automated interpretations may overlook nuanced findings, risking diagnostic errors. Therefore, a balanced approach in integrating automated analysis with clinical judgment is necessary.

Arrhythmias in transgender individuals.

The need to improve access to health services for the transgender community has become evident, especially concerning cardiovascular risk, which is higher compared to the general population. Surgical procedures and hormone therapies are common in this population to affirm gender identity, but they pose challenges as they are associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism, body fat concentration, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there is an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The influence of sex hormones on the electrophysiological properties of the heart has been studied, highlighting gender differences that may predispose the transgender population to cardiac arrhythmias. Exogenous hormone therapy, for both transgender women and men, can affect the QT interval and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Although the incidence of arrhythmias in the transgender population is not entirely clear, evidence suggests the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring and consideration of risk factors before initiating hormone therapies.

La necesidad de mejorar el acceso a servicios de salud para la comunidad transgénero se ha vuelto evidente, especialmente en relación con el riesgo cardiovascular, que es más alto en comparación con la población general. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos y las terapias hormonales son comunes en esta población para reafirmar la identidad de género, pero plantean desafíos, ya que se asocian con alteraciones en el metabolismo de lípidos, la concentración de grasa corporal y la resistencia a la insulina. Además, existe un aumento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares adversos, como tromboembolia venosa, accidente cerebrovascular e infarto de miocardio. La influencia de las hormonas sexuales en las propiedades electrofisiológicas del corazón ha sido estudiada, destacando diferencias entre géneros que pueden predisponer a la población transgénero a arritmias cardiacas. La terapia hormonal exógena, tanto para mujeres como para hombres trans, puede afectar el intervalo QT y aumentar el riesgo de arritmias, incluida la fibrilación auricular. Aunque la incidencia de arritmias en la población transgénero aún no está completamente clara, la evidencia sugiere la necesidad de un monitoreo cardiovascular cuidadoso y la consideración de factores de riesgo antes de iniciar terapias hormonales.

Arritmias en personas transgénero / Arrhythmias in transgender individuals

Resumen La necesidad de mejorar el acceso a servicios de salud para la comunidad transgénero se ha vuelto evidente, especialmente en relación con el riesgo cardiovascular, que es más alto en comparación con la población general. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos y las terapias hormonales son comunes en esta población para reafirmar la identidad de género, pero plantean desafíos, ya que se asocian con alteraciones en el metabolismo de lípidos, la concentración de grasa corporal y la resistencia a la insulina. Además, existe un aumento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares adversos, como tromboembolia venosa, accidente cerebrovascular e infarto de miocardio. La influencia de las hormonas sexuales en las propiedades electrofisiológicas del corazón ha sido estudiada, destacando diferencias entre géneros que pueden predisponer a la población transgénero a arritmias cardiacas. La terapia hormonal exógena, tanto para mujeres como para hombres trans, puede afectar el intervalo QT y aumentar el riesgo de arritmias, incluida la fibrilación auricular. Aunque la incidencia de arritmias en la población transgénero aún no está completamente clara, la evidencia sugiere la necesidad de un monitoreo cardiovascular cuidadoso y la consideración de factores de riesgo antes de iniciar terapias hormonales.

Abstract The need to improve access to health services for the transgender community has become evident, especially concerning cardiovascular risk, which is higher compared to the general population. Surgical procedures and hormone therapies are common in this population to affirm gender identity, but they pose challenges as they are associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism, body fat concentration, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there is an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The influence of sex hormones on the electrophysiological properties of the heart has been studied, highlighting gender differences that may predispose the transgender population to cardiac arrhythmias. Exogenous hormone therapy, for both transgender women and men, can affect the QT interval and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Although the incidence of arrhythmias in the transgender population is not entirely clear, evidence suggests the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring and consideration of risk factors before initiating hormone therapies.