AI tool can revolutionize prevention of heart attacks, developed by scientists. This technology is able to identify hidden signs of heart trouble that are usually missed during regular scans. The AI system by Caristo Diagnostics, a company linked to Oxford University, has a different perspective on CT scans. It can detect inflammation in the arteries of the heart which human beings cannot. Such inflammation may cause a heart attack even among people who appear healthy.
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At present, this AI is under testing in five NHS hospitals across England. Should it perform well in these tests, it could be widely applied soon for helping patients.
This is how it works: Whenever an individual goes to hospital because of chest pain they are usually subjected to CT scans. These scans are examined by the most recent AI technology looking for any inflammation or plaque build-up. The results from the AI are then double-checked by qualified personnel.
For individuals without clear symptoms of heart disease, this technology becomes useful. In one large study called Orfan, for example, 80% of the patients sent home after their CT scan did not receive specific advice on how to prevent future problems like these ones. On the other hand with this AI machine doctors can identify many more at high risk for cardiac events.
Ian Pickard was helped through this system as one patient who personally experienced its benefits firsthand. After his scan was analyzed through an AI and found that he was at high risk, physicians gave him medications and advised him about his lifestyle changes Ian described this as “a big wake up call” that urged him into action.
Professor Charalambos Antoniades who led the Orfan study explains why that matters so much, before now they have only been able to look at general risk factors like diabetes or smoking. Instead using such artificial intelligence systems enables them see what is going on within a patient’s arteries even before there is any discernible damage
The potential impact here should never be underestimated. Heart disease affects about 7.6 billion people in the UK and costs NHS billions every year. In case such an AI can only prevent some few heart attacks, it would mean a lot in terms of lives saved and health care expenses cut down.
Though the technology is still being evaluated for use by the NHS, it has already been approved in other countries. Researchers are also working to adapt this same tool to fight against strokes as well as diabetes.
While we await a final decision on its broader application, this AI is a major step forward for heart health. This helps doctors toidentify problems earlier and act before it becomes too late.
