A groundbreaking study by Rutgers University suggests Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to assist doctors in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. By analysing patients’ DNA, it may be possible to detect potential issues earlier such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Atrial fibrillation and heart failure account for nearly 45% of all cardiovascular-related deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
So, how could AI play a role in reducing premature cardiovascular deaths, and what could these advancements mean for patients’ futures? Let’s explore the recent study and what it found.
New AI for detecting genes tied to cardiovascular disease
The recent study was conducted by the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research (IFH). The team at IFH employed Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning techniques to analyse the genes of both healthy people and those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Their focus was on identifying genes that were associated with severe forms of the disease. Through this investigation, they were able to identify a set of genes significantly linked to the presence of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers discovered notable variations connected to race, gender, and age. Age and gender were found to be linked to heart failure, while age and race were associated with atrial fibrillation. For example, the data showed that the likelihood of having cardiovascular disease increased with the age of the patients studied.
Earlier diagnosis could save lives
Identifying cardiovascular disease at an early stage can have a crucial impact on patient outcomes. By detecting the disease before it progresses, timely interventions and treatments can be administered. This can potentially prevent further complications and improve quality of life.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence in medical diagnostics could help catch cardiovascular disease in its early stages. This could translate to not only extended lifespans for those affected, but also enhanced overall well-being.
What are the warning signs of cardiovascular disease?
While AI may be able to be used to detect cardiovascular earlier, it is still in the research phase. This means it is unlikely to be available to cardiologists until it has undergone further testing.
Recognising the signs of cardiovascular disease is vital for timely intervention. Common warning signs include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Other symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and unexplained sweating can also indicate cardiovascular issues.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with leading cardiologist Dr Konrad Grosser. Early detection and management of these warning signs can reduce the risk of severe health complications.
