[Technology Saw] – A new study shows improvement in detecting heart attacks with AI.
Highlights:
- Scientists developed an AI capable of predicting deadly heart attacks.
- Traditional tests like cardiac CT scans often miss significant arterial narrowing, leaving some patients unaware of heart risks.
- AI-guided treatments could save thousands of lives a year by ensuring timely care and providing crucial support when it’s most needed.
- The AI tool analyzes clinical factors, including artery fat changes, to accurately and independently predict heart-related events.
- AI integration into healthcare services holds promise, potentially preventing avoidable heart attack deaths.
- Ways to prevent heart attacks.
Heart diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, accounting for a staggering 17.9 million deaths each year. A significant portion of these fatalities—more than four out of five—are due to heart attacks and strokes.
What’s alarming is that one-third of these deaths happen prematurely, affecting individuals under the age of 70. However, there’s some exciting news on the horizon.
Scientists have developed a special kind of technology called artificial intelligence (AI) that acts as a futuristic tool, predicting the risk of deadly heart attacks over a period of 10 years.
This innovation is a big deal because it could potentially help individuals who are at risk of such heart-related issues.
This AI tool does more than just predict heart attacks. It also provides information about narrowing in the arteries and other factors that contribute to clinical risks.
Imagine it as a smart assistant for doctors, helping them understand the risks and make better decisions about a patient’s heart health.
Now, here’s where the problem lies:
Sometimes, when someone complains of chest pains and goes to the doctor, the standard test—called a cardiac CT scan—doesn’t always detect significant narrowing in the arteries even though the patient might have real issues.
In fact, about three-quarters of the time, this test doesn’t show any major problems. So, patients are often told they’re fine and sent home which can be risky because it might miss potential heart problems.
To understand this better, researchers studied data from over 40,000 people who had these routine heart scans at hospitals in the UK.
What they found was surprising.
Even those without noticeable narrowing in their arteries faced a significant risk of heart attacks and heart-related deaths. This discovery showed that just relying on current tests might not be enough to spot who’s really at risk.
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, a medical director, emphasized how important it is to prevent needless deaths from heart attacks each year.
He talked about using AI to help guide treatments for patients, essentially saying that this technology could potentially save thousands of lives a year by making sure people get the right treatment at the right time.
The AI technology isn’t a crystal ball, but it’s pretty close. It analyzes changes in the fat around the arteries and other clinical details that could signal an oncoming heart attack.
It is like having a super-smart detective spot the clues that might otherwise be missed.
This AI tool was put to the test on thousands of patients over nearly eight years. The results were impressive: it could predict heart-related events accurately and independently.
When doctors used these predictions in real-life situations for hundreds of patients, they changed treatment plans in almost half of the cases based on the AI’s insights.
This means the AI tool was helping doctors make better decisions about how to treat patients with chest pain.
Professor Charalambos Antoniades from Oxford University expressed hope that this AI tool would soon become a regular part of healthcare services, potentially preventing many avoidable deaths from heart attacks in the UK.
It is essential to note that this research was funded by the British Heart Foundation and carried out by dedicated researchers at the University of Oxford, showcasing how collaborations between science and healthcare can bring about life-saving advancements.
Heart Attacks
Heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart gets blocked, usually by plaque buildup in the arteries.
Knowing about the risks, signs and ways to prevent heart attacks is important for keeping your heart healthy and avoiding these scary events.
Lots of things can increase your chances of having a heart attack, like getting older, having a family history of heart problems or dealing with things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or not being active enough.
If you have a bunch of these risk factors, it’s extra important to take good care of your heart.
Heart attack symptoms can be different for everyone, but they often involve chest pain or discomfort that can spread to your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
You might also feel short of breath, sick to your stomach, dizzy or break out in a cold sweat. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to get help right away, either for yourself or someone else who might be having a heart attack.
Ways to Prevent Heart Attacks
These are some essential ways to prevent heart attacks:
Eat Well: Choose a balanced diet. Try to cut back on things like saturated fats, trans fats, salt and added sugars. This not only helps control your weight but also keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like brisk walking). You may try 75 minutes of more intense exercise (like running) each week.
Exercise not only helps with weight management but also keeps your heart strong and healthy.
Ditch Smoking and Moderate Alcohol: Quitting smoking is a game-changer for your heart health, as smoking damages blood vessels.
Also, keep an eye on alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart issues.
Also, finding ways to manage stress is crucial. Try activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing or engaging in hobbies that help you relax and unwind.
Keep a Healthy Weight: Balancing your diet and staying active will naturally contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease.
Keep tabs on your cholesterol and blood pressure levels with regular check-ups. High levels can damage your arteries, making you more susceptible to heart disease.
Depending on your results, your healthcare provider might suggest lifestyle changes or medications.
Control Diabetes: If you have diabetes, make sure to manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can harm your blood vessels and heart.
Also, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes—factors that elevate the risk of heart disease.
More so, don’t skip those regular health check-ups. They can help detect any potential issues early on, allowing you to take the necessary steps to keep your heart healthy.
Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive sweets. These can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease.
If you choose these habits, you will be taking positive steps towards a heart-healthy lifestyle. Consequently, it reduces the likelihood of a heart attack.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or if you have specific health concerns.
However, in a world plagued with cardiovascular diseases, the emergence of AI as a predictive powerhouse offers a ray of hope.
By addressing the diagnostic loophole and guiding personalized treatment plans, AI has the potential to transform the landscape of heart health, ultimately saving countless lives.
As we look towards the future, the integration of AI into mainstream healthcare could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against heart attacks and other cardiovascular threats.