Artificial intelligence may be able to predict heart attacks and aid in the treatment process, according to a new UK study.
Funded by the British Heart Foundation, the study was led by a group of researchers at the University of Oxford’s Radcliffe Department of Medicine.
Using the data of 40,000 people who routinely went to have cardiac CT scans and another additional 3,393 people, the researchers used AI to predict the 10-year risk of heart attack for each patient by training it using information on fat accumulation around the arteries.
After providing the risk scores generated through AI to physicians, the researchers found that treatment for 45% of the cases were amended because of their tool. Overall, using AI, they predict that there could be a 20% decrease in heart attacks. After using the AI test, there would also be a predicted 8% decrease in cardiac deaths and strokes.
NEW: AI tool can predict 10-year risk of deadly heart attacks, transforming treatment for patients who undergo CT scans to investigate chest pain.
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) November 14, 2023
In the first real-world trial, it was found to improve treatment for up to 45% of patients. ⬇️https://t.co/HRsB8M84Y9
“This research shows the valuable role AI-based technology can play in better identifying those patients most at risk of future heart attacks and thereby help clinicians make better treatment decisions for their patients,” said the Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, per a statement. “Too many people are needlessly dying from heart attacks each year. It is vital we harness the potential of AI to guide patient treatment, as well as ensuring that the NHS is equipped to support its use.”
Although every demographic is affected by heart disease, Black patients are among those most affected by heart disease, particularly in the U.S.
In recent years, research has found that Black Americans have an increased chance of passing away from heart disease than white Americans.
In 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services reported that Black Americans were 30% more likely to pass away from heart disease when compared to white Americans.
Black Americans are also more likely to develop heart disease at younger ages.
Per the American Heart Association, young Black Americans with a mean age of 31 years old were found to have increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease and worse hospital outcomes.
“Young, Black adults should be encouraged to have regular primary care visits and get annual wellness checkups so any health abnormalities may be noticed at earlier stages, before there are serious health consequences such as a heart attack or stroke,” said researcher Dr. Ankit Vyas. “Young people must also be aware of factors that can cause heart disease and understand that heart disease can lead to disability and premature death. Prevention is an important first step.”
