Heart IO: Using AI to Revolutionize Cardiac Diagnosis

Click here to watch my full interview with Utkarsh Jain, founder of Heart IO.

This interview features Utkarsh Jain, founder of Heart IO, a healthcare AI startup that uses machine learning to analyze ECG data for predicting coronary artery disease. The conversation with a Wharton alumnus covers Utkarsh's journey from being inspired by his grandfather's misdiagnosis to creating an AI solution that can detect cardiac issues from non-invasive ECG readings.

CEOs of healthcare AI companies will find valuable insights about:

1. Product development: Heart IO's API takes ECG signals and provides reports on coronary artery disease severity, lesion locations, and can even predict invasive test results non-invasively.
2. Startup challenges: Utkarsh candidly discusses fundraising difficulties in the current economic climate, regulatory hurdles with the FDA, and the importance of choosing the right co-founders.
3. Physician adoption: The interview explores how different generations of doctors respond to AI tools, with insights on focusing efforts on data-driven physicians rather than those resistant to new technologies.
4. Regulatory strategy: Heart IO received FDA breakthrough designation and is planning a pivotal study in 2026 to secure full approval.
5. Real-world impact: A compelling case study about detecting a 60-70% coronary artery lesion in a seemingly healthy 30-year-old using their technology.

The interview provides a realistic look at both the promise of AI in healthcare diagnostics and the practical challenges of bringing such innovations to market.