Las Vegas startup bets AI can transform heart disease detection

Las Vegas-based startup Medaica is set to disrupt cardiovascular care with the imminent direct-to-consumer launch of its AI-powered home heart exam kit, aiming to make early heart disease detection more accessible and affordable. The kit, featuring an FDA-cleared digital stethoscope and an AI-assisted cardiologist review, represents a significant push into proactive, at-home health screening at a time when cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. This move could fundamentally shift how millions approach heart health, moving diagnostics out of the clinic and into patients' hands. Medaica entry comes amidst a rapidly expanding AI in cardiology market, projected to surge from $1.68 billion in 2025 to over $19 billion by 2034, driven by an aging population, a critical shortage of cardiologists, and the rising burden of cardiovascular disease. While other players like Eko Health and eMurmur have already secured FDA clearances for AI-enabled stethoscopes to detect heart failure and murmurs, Medaica distinguishes itself with a comprehensive home kit that integrates guided telehealth exams and a direct cardiologist review after AI analysis. CEO Stephen Randall, whose own undiagnosed heart murmur was caught by Medaica technology, highlights the critical gap in early detection that conventional methods often miss. With its $199 kit rolling out in the coming weeks, Medaica initially targets an estimated 50 million Americans living far from healthcare access, with plans to later serve institutions like the Department of Veterans Affairs. The company's future vision includes an iPhone app for autonomous self-diagnosis, though the broader challenge for AI in cardiology remains proving that diagnostic accuracy translates into improved patient outcomes and long-term mortality reduction. As venture capital continues to pour into health AI, Medaica ability to demonstrate real-world impact and navigate regulatory pathways will be crucial in solidifying its position in the competitive landscape of preventative cardiac care.