Q&A with Cardiologist Kiran Khush

February is American Heart Month – a time to raise awareness about heart health, celebrate advancements in cardiovascular care, and empower individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart.

From genetic research to wearable technology, cardiology is evolving rapidly. In this Q&A with Stanford Department of Medicine’s cardiologist Kiran Kaur Khush, MD, she shares insights on the most promising innovations, ongoing challenges, and the future of heart health.

What do you find to be the most promising development in cardiology today?

I believe some of the most promising advancements in cardiovascular care involve shifting towards more personalized, less invasive, and technology-driven approaches that aim to deliver better outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Why did you choose a career in cardiology, and what keeps you passionate about it? 

I was drawn to cardiology because of the extensive range of treatment options available to help our patients, including medications, interventions, devices, and surgical approaches. Additionally, our robust research programs use evidence-based methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments. I was also impressed by how swiftly we can care for critically ill patients, often saving lives within minutes to days, using the many treatment options we have available.

What do you see as the most pressing challenge in heart health today, and how can we potentially address it? 

As our new Department Chair (Euan Ashley, MB ChB, DPhil) nicely said in his recent PBS interview, I strongly believe that exercise is the best medicine. If sedentary Americans would increase their physical activity, their health would improve considerably.

Strategies to address these challenges include public health campaigns, expanded access to healthcare through telemedicine and community health programs, improved education and awareness, and the use of innovative technologies (e.g., mobile health apps, wearable devices) to monitor heart health and promote healthy lifestyles.

Can you share your top tip for maintaining a healthy heart?

I strongly believe that exercise is the best medicine. If sedentary Americans would increase their physical activity, their health would improve considerably.

What do you envision for the future of cardiology, say a decade down the road? 

I hope that the next decade will be characterized by more individualized approaches to care, increased use of technology for monitoring and treatment, and a greater emphasis on disease prevention. This may involve the use of wearable technologies, telemedicine, innovative new interventional treatments, AI/machine learning, and improved patient education.