An Oxford University spinout company Caristo Diagnostics has made a groundbreaking advancement in cardiac health with AI technology by developing a revolutionary model. This advanced Artificial Intelligence model is capable of identifying individuals at risk of suffering a heart attack within the next decade, according to a report by the BBC.
This AI technology is being hailed as a game-changer by scientists, as it can detect cardiac inflammation that is typically undetectable on standard computed tomography (CT) scans, which rely on a combination of X-ray and computer technology. This breakthrough enables early intervention in patients who might otherwise be missed by traditional diagnostic methods.
Currently, a pilot program is underway in five hospitals across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton, with the support of NHS England. The technology has been presented for review, and a decision regarding its widespread adoption within the NHS is expected in the coming months. This AI technology is also being explored for its potential to prevent diabetes and strokes, expanding its impact beyond heart disease.
Professor Keith Channon from the University of Oxford highlighted the transformative nature of this AI technology, stating, “It is the first time we can monitor biological actions invisible to the naked eye that occur before the formation of narrowings and blockages within the heart.” This ability to detect early signs of cardiovascular issues could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and improve patient outcomes.
In the pilot, patients experiencing chest pain who were referred for standard CT scans had their results processed through Caristo Diagnostics’ CaRi-Heart AI. The AI technology analyzed the scans to detect inflammation in the coronary arteries, with findings confirmed by medical operators. Elevated levels of inflammation were linked to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing a fatal heart attack.
According to the British Heart Foundation, over 7.6 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from heart disease, with the NHS in England spending approximately £7 billion annually on cardiac care. About 350,000 cardiac CT scans are performed each year in the UK. The ORFAN study, conducted on 40,000 patients as part of the Oxford Risk Factors and Non-invasive Imaging project and published in The Lancet, revealed that 80% of patients were referred back to primary care without specific preventive management or treatment.
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However, with the implementation of this AI technology, it was found that patients with inflammation in their coronary arteries were 20 to 30 times more likely to die from a cardiac event within the next 10 years. Remarkably, 45% of such patients were prescribed medication or advised to make lifestyle changes to prevent a future heart attack, thanks to the early detection provided by this cutting-edge AI technology.
