AI Technology Revolutionizes Detection of Hidden Heart Attack Risks
AI Heart Detection Reveals Invisible Heart Inflammation
Scientists are hailing a groundbreaking AI Heart Detection model that identifies individuals at risk of a heart attack within the next decade. This AI technology can detect heart inflammation that remains invisible on traditional CT scans, which typically combine X-ray and computer technology.
AI Heart Detection Pilot Project Supported by NHS England
Currently, a pilot project supported by NHS England is underway at five hospital trusts across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton. A decision regarding its widespread use within the NHS is expected within months.
Development of AI Heart Detection by Caristo Diagnostics
Developed by Caristo Diagnostics, an Oxford University spinout, the AI Heart Detection technology is already being adapted to prevent strokes and diabetes. “This technology is transformative because it allows us to detect biological processes that precede the development of heart blockages,” said Prof Keith Channon from the University of Oxford.
How AI Heart Detection Technology Works
During the pilot, patients experiencing chest pain and referred for routine CT scans have their scans analyzed by Caristo Diagnostics’ CaRi-Heart AI platform. An algorithm detects coronary inflammation and plaque, and trained operators verify the accuracy.
Impact of AI Heart Detection on Heart Disease Prevention
Research indicates that increased inflammation correlates with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and fatal heart attacks. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) estimates that around 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart disease, costing the NHS in England approximately £7.4 billion annually. About 350,000 patients undergo cardiac CT scans each year in the UK.
AI Heart Detection Insights from the Orfan Study
The Orfan study (Oxford Risk Factors and Non-invasive Imaging), involving 40,000 patients and published in the Lancet, revealed that 80% of patients were sent back to primary care without a clear prevention or treatment plan. Researchers focused on these patients and found that those with coronary artery inflammation had a 20 to 30 times higher risk of dying from a cardiac event within the next decade.
Real-Life Application: Ian Pickford’s Story
Funded by the BHF, the study showed that using AI Heart Detection technology resulted in 45% of these patients receiving medication or lifestyle change recommendations to reduce future heart attack risks.
Ian Pickford, 58, from Barwell in Leicestershire, was referred for a CT scan in November 2023 due to persistent chest pain. Enrolled in the Orfan study at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, he was prescribed statins, advised to quit smoking, and encouraged to increase exercise after AI Heart Detection analysis indicated a heart attack risk. “It’s a huge wake-up call,” Mr. Pickford said. “Seeing it on paper makes you realize how serious it is and motivates you to take action.”
Future Prospects and Global Approvals
Prof Charalambos Antoniades, the lead of the Orfan study, explained that previous tools were primitive and only assessed general risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or obesity. “Now, with AI Heart Detection technology, we can identify disease activity in arteries before it develops, allowing us to intervene early and prevent heart attacks,” he said.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is assessing the AI Heart Detection technology for potential NHS implementation. It is also under review in the US and has been approved for use in Europe and Australia.
These adjustments ensure that the focus keyphrase “AI Heart Detection” appears in the introduction, subheadings, and throughout the content, improving the article’s SEO performance.
For the latest development in health sector stay informed with us at WS Coverage.
