CardioSmart Heart Explorer for iPhone

How CardioSmart can improve clinician–patient conversations

The CardioSmart Heart Explorer, produced by the American College of Cardiology, is designed to help clinicians communicate cardiac anatomy, common conditions, and treatment options at the point of care. It is provided at no cost and aims to make explanations more visual and accessible for patients and caregivers.

Platform support and access

• Available for Apple mobile devices, including iPhone and iPad (also compatible with iPod touch), so it can be used at bedside or in the clinic.
• No purchase is required to download and use the app.

Interactive anatomy and visualization tools

The app offers layered, high-resolution heart models that clinicians can manipulate in real time. Key capabilities include:

• A multi-layered anatomy viewer with nine primary layers that can be swiped through to reveal progressively deeper structures.
• Full rotation of each view (anterior to posterior and back) using a drag gesture; a double-tap returns the display to the default anterior, beating presentation.
• Extra anterior and cross-sectional layers showing both normal and pathological states in clear 2-D and 3-D renderings.

Patient education media

A built-in media gallery provides a scrollable collection of animations and interactive illustrations ideal for explaining diagnoses and therapies to patients. These short visual pieces are intended to complement verbal explanations and improve patient understanding.

Limitations, scope, and support

• The Heart Explorer is intended for demonstration and educational use only; it is not a diagnostic or treatment tool.
• Support is provided on an as-available basis and the app should not replace clinical judgement or formal diagnostic resources.

Alternative option to consider

If you are evaluating other free mobile health tools, the Dexcom G7 app is sometimes suggested as an alternative for patient-facing diabetes and glucose-monitoring needs. Note that its focus differs from CardioSmart’s cardiac education features.