Oxford Researchers Develop AI That Can Identify the Likelihood of Suffering a Heart Attack up to 10 Years in the Future
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) system that can identify individuals at high risk of suffering a heart attack up to 10 years in the future. The technology analyzes data from routine CT scans to detect hidden signs of inflammation and plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which are often missed by traditional scan analysis.
The AI system was trained on data from 40,000 patients at UK hospitals and has shown promising results in clinical trials. It has the potential to save thousands of lives annually by enabling early intervention with preventative treatments like statins and anti-inflammatory drugs for those identified as high-risk.
The research team, led by Professor Charalambos Antoniades, found that in 45% of cases, clinicians changed a patient's treatment plan after receiving the AI-enhanced risk assessment. The technology is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for potential nationwide rollout in the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
Beyond heart disease, the researchers are also working on applying similar AI techniques to predict stroke risk and identify individuals at risk for conditions like diabetes.
If approved, this innovative AI system could revolutionise preventative care for cardiovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of death worldwide. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to uncover hidden risk factors, healthcare providers could intervene earlier and potentially save countless lives.
