In this blog we are going to give a Glimpse about his Inspiration.
At just 13 years old, Akash Manoj faced a heartbreaking loss that would shape his life’s purpose—his grandfather’s passing from a silent heart attack. Unlike typical heart attacks, silent ones don’t come with the usual warning signs like chest pain or shortness of breath. Instead, they quietly strike, leaving patients and their loved ones blindsided.
Why does this happen? Manoj explains, “Silent heart attacks occur in people with underlying conditions like diabetes. These patients often have nerve damage, which blocks out the alarm signals the heart sends.” Without these warning signs, silent heart attacks become particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe consequences.
A Young Mind Takes on a Big Problem:
Determined to prevent others from experiencing the pain of sudden loss, Manoj dedicated himself to finding a solution. Over the course of three years, he conducted rigorous research in government and private laboratories, diving deep into the science of cardiac biomarkers and early detection. The result? Cardioptre, a revolutionary device designed to detect silent heart attacks up to six hours before they occur.
The device, which is non-invasive, works in two parts: a watch-like gadget worn around the wrist and a small patch placed near the chest. Using a bio-electric system Manoj himself developed, the device detects warning signals from the heart without requiring a blood test. This breakthrough offers a user-friendly, accessible way for people to monitor their heart health in real time.
“The device identifies a cardiac biomarker known as heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP),” Manoj explains. “This biomarker is released up to six hours before a heart attack, providing an early detection system. If the h-FABP levels are beyond the recommended threshold, the wearer is alerted to the potential risk of a heart attack and prompted to seek immediate medical care.”
Why h-FABP Instead of Troponin?
Most hospitals today rely on troponin—a widely used cardiac biomarker—to confirm heart attacks. However, troponin levels rise only after significant cardiac damage has occurred, making it a late-stage indicator. Recognizing this limitation, Manoj chose to base his technology on h-FABP, which signals cardiac stress much earlier in the process.
“Although the device may not provide a complete analysis of the cardiac injury, its ability to detect early warning signs could be life-saving,” Manoj notes. “The goal is to give patients and doctors the crucial time needed to act before a silent heart attack strikes.”
Progress and the Path to Innovation:
Currently, Cardioptre is undergoing extensive testing on patients with various health conditions to validate its accuracy and reliability. “So far, the results have been promising, but tangible conclusions can only be drawn after the study is completed,” shares Manoj. As he works to refine his invention, he is also pursuing his medical education at the prestigious First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University, Prague.
The journey doesn’t stop there. Manoj is focused on miniaturizing the device and exploring partnerships with stakeholders in the wearables industry to integrate the technology into smartwatches and other everyday devices. This step could revolutionize how people monitor their cardiac health, making early detection of silent heart attacks as simple as checking the time.
Manoj has received significant support in his journey, including funding through government grants and crowdfunding platforms like Milaap. Additionally, he has filed for a provisional patent for Cardioptre, ensuring his innovation is protected as it moves closer to market readiness. He envisions the device being commercially available within the next five years.
Achievements That Speak Volumes:
Akash’s brilliance and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement (Gold Medallion), now known as the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar, presented by none other than the President of India. His innovation has also earned international recognition at Intel ISEF 2018, one of the world’s largest pre-college science fairs.
Testimonials and Real-World Impact:
Despite his young age, Manoj refuses to let it define his capabilities. “I’ve learned not to let age limit my thinking and to question everything, big or small,” he says.
This determined teenager is not only challenging traditional medical norms but also reshaping the future of preventive healthcare. Through his invention, Manoj is giving patients a fighting chance against silent heart attacks, proving that innovation and compassion can truly make a difference.
A Beacon of Hope:
While the device may not yet provide a comprehensive cardiac analysis, its ability to signal danger and buy precious time is invaluable. Cardioptre represents a shift in the way we approach cardiac health, moving from reactive to proactive measures. By detecting risks early, it empowers patients to seek timely care, reducing the devastating toll of silent heart attacks.
As Manoj works tirelessly to refine and miniaturize his device, his story is a testament to how innovation, passion, and resilience can transform personal loss into a mission to save lives. For patients and families, Cardioptre offers more than just technology—it offers hope.
With continued development and collaboration with industry leaders, Manoj’s vision of integrating his device into wearable technology is inching closer to reality. In doing so, he is not just challenging the norms of medical technology but also proving that young minds have the power to redefine the future.
In the end, Cardioptre’s mission goes beyond detecting heart attacks. It symbolizes a fight against the silence, the unseen, and the preventable—a fight led by a teenager who refused to let age, barriers, or doubt stand in his way.
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