Ultrasound in cardiovascular care: a perspective on preventive, diagnostic, and monitoring applications

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Preventive Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, with conventional risk models often missing individuals with subclinical vascular damage.
• Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of CVD, develops silently, necessitating advanced imaging for early detection.
• Ultrasound provides a safe, non-invasive, radiation-free method for real-time visualization of vascular structure, function, and hemodynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reframe ultrasound as a cornerstone technology in preventive and diagnostic vasculature and cardiovascular medicine.
• To highlight key ultrasound modalities and their applications in early risk stratification and monitoring of atherosclerosis.
• To discuss the role of emerging technologies like AI and telemedicine in expanding ultrasound's reach.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current ultrasound modalities including point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), Doppler, Duplex, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), elastography, and pulse wave velocity (PWV).
• Exploration of ultrasound's application across various arterial systems (carotid, aortic, peripheral, coronary, cerebral, renal).
• Discussion of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) on ultrasound interpretation and accessibility.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound techniques enable early risk stratification, monitoring of atherosclerotic progression, and evaluation of therapeutic response.
• Ultrasound enhances patient awareness and engagement, acting as a behavioral catalyst.
• AI, ML, and DL are automating plaque quantification, improving reproducibility, and enabling portable systems.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound is evolving into a frontline technology for cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring.
• Integration with AI-driven interpretation and mobile health platforms enhances personalized and equitable cardiovascular care.
• Standardized protocols, training, and ethical oversight are crucial for widespread and equitable adoption.