Teen Prodigy Develops AI App for Rapid Heart Disease Detection
Teen Prodigy Develops AI App for Rapid Heart Disease Detection
In a remarkable fusion of youth and innovation, 14-year-old Siddarth Nandyala from Dallas, Texas, has developed Circadian AI, an application that detects heart diseases in just seven seconds using a smartphone. This groundbreaking tool leverages artificial intelligence to analyze heart sounds, offering a non-invasive and swift method for early detection of cardiovascular conditions.
Early Passion for Technology and Healthcare
Siddarth's journey into technology began early. By 2022, he had designed an affordable prosthetic arm, and in 2023, he founded STEM IT, a startup providing science and engineering kits to students. His interest in healthcare technology deepened when he developed an armband capable of detecting falls in the elderly with over 96% accuracy, surpassing existing devices like the Apple Watch. These ventures earned him recognition, including a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives and commendations from President Joe Biden.
Development of Circadian AI
Motivated by the global prevalence of heart disease—the leading cause of death worldwide—Siddarth aimed to create a tool for early detection of cardiovascular abnormalities. Traditional diagnostic methods often identify issues only in advanced stages. Circadian AI addresses this gap by analyzing heart sounds recorded via smartphone, utilizing advanced noise-cancellation and machine learning algorithms to detect irregularities such as arrhythmias and signs of heart failure.
Clinical Trials and Accuracy
Circadian AI has undergone extensive testing, analyzing over 15,000 patients in the U.S. and approximately 700 in India. In trials conducted at Government General Hospitals in Guntur and Vijayawada, the app demonstrated an accuracy rate exceeding 96% in detecting potential heart conditions. These results underscore its potential as a reliable pre-screening tool in diverse healthcare settings.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The app's simplicity and effectiveness make it particularly valuable in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced medical diagnostics is limited. By facilitating early detection, Circadian AI could significantly reduce mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases, which account for 80% of such deaths in these regions. Siddarth is currently pursuing regulatory approvals to expand the app's availability in clinical environments across the U.S., India, and beyond.
Expert Opinions
Medical professionals have lauded Circadian AI's potential. Dr. Jameel Ahmed, an electrophysiologist at Louisiana State University, highlighted its ability to reach underserved populations and its impressive accuracy. However, he also noted that the app should complement, not replace, traditional diagnostic tools like echocardiograms. Siddarth concurs, emphasizing that Circadian AI is intended as a pre-screening instrument to prompt further medical evaluation when necessary.
Expanding Horizons
Building on the success of Circadian AI, Siddarth is exploring applications of similar technology for respiratory health. He is developing tools to analyze lung sounds, aiming to detect conditions such as pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. This expansion reflects his commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance early disease detection and improve global health outcomes.
Conclusion
Siddarth Nandyala's development of Circadian AI exemplifies the transformative power of youth-driven innovation in healthcare. By combining technological acumen with a passion for medical advancement, he has created a tool with the potential to save countless lives through early detection of heart disease. As Circadian AI moves toward broader implementation, it stands as a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have on global health.
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Source: SmithonianMagazine
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