Welcome to your monthly dose of health and wellness information. Each month, we will dive into practical tips, interview physician leaders and share the latest developments in different fields of medicine.

Mass General Brigham physicians have had the privilege of caring for thousands of Bermudian patients in Boston over the years, spanning a wide variety of conditions and complexities.

Diseases of the circulatory system and neoplasms (cancers) account for approximately 60 per cent of deaths annually. For this feature, David T. Martin, MD, cardiologist and medical director of International Patient Services at Mass General Brigham, shares the latest innovations in heart care at our hospitals.

How is AI changing the way we treat heart disease?

One promising development is using artificial intelligence as a tool to predict heart disease, which can lead to proactive treatment. Mass General Brigham researchers have developed a new AI tool to quantify coronary artery calcium build-up and help predict the risk of future cardiovascular events. Although it has been studied only on veteran populations so far, researchers hope to expand testing and see whether the tool can measure the effectiveness of lipid-lowering medications on CAC.

What new developments are there in treating high blood pressure?

Doctors could soon have another tool to treat hypertension and aortic aneurysms. Using a drug to target a protein that causes blood vessel cells to weaken under oxidative stress, we have discovered that this treatment blocked the development of aortic aneurysms and reduced hypertension. This not only holds promise for aneurysm and high blood pressure treatment, but potentially other age-related conditions as well.

What new findings can we share regarding heart surgery?

For many young patients with aortic valve disease, a “renaissance” in the Ross procedure (pulmonary autograft) offers hope. With modifications by Jordan Bloom, MD, MPH, this procedure now offers better graft durability and presents an effective alternative to traditional aortic valve replacement, boosting life expectancy and lowering need for additional future heart procedures.

If you would like to request an appointment or learn more about care at Mass General Brigham, our dedicated international patient services team is here to answer any questions. Our staff helps Bermudian patients and their families understand their care options, make appointments, navigate logistics and ensure a smooth journey between Bermuda and Boston. If part of your care planning includes insurance, we recommend speaking with your insurance company before requesting an appointment.

• Contact our international patient services team at patientcare@mgb.org or visit MassGeneralBrigham.org/Bermuda