TinyML and edge intelligence applications in cardiovascular disease: A survey.

Tiny machine learning (TinyML) and edge intelligence have emerged as pivotal paradigms for enabling machine learning on resource-constrained devices situated at the extreme edge of networks. In this paper, we explore the transformative potential of TinyML in facilitating pervasive, low-power cardiovascular monitoring and real-time analytics for patients with cardiac anomalies, leveraging wearable devices as the primary interface. To begin with, we provide an overview of TinyML software and hardware enablers, accompanied by an examination of networking solutions such as Low-power Wide area network (LPWAN) that facilitate the seamless deployment of TinyML frameworks. Following this, we delve into the methodologies of knowledge distillation, quantization, and pruning, which represent the cornerstone strategies for optimizing machine learning models to operate efficiently within resource-constrained environments. Furthermore, our discussion extends to the role of efficient deep neural networks tailored specifically for cardiovascular monitoring on wearable devices with limited computational resources. Through a comprehensive review, we analyze the applications of prominent artificial neural network architectures including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Autoencoders, Deep Belief Networks (DBNs), and Transformers in the domain of Electrocardiogram (ECG) analytics, shedding light on their efficacy and potential in advancing healthcare technology.