Scientists at University College London led by Dr. Kristopher Knott and his team have discovered that artificial intelligence (AI), supported by state-of-the-art imaging technologies in the form of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has the ability to predict the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. It can also predict heart failure or even premature death. Invasive blood flow measurements have so far been the only way to provide a prognosis for various heart diseases based on reduced blood flow. However, they were associated with risks. Therefore, non-invasive methods such as cardiovascular MRI scans had to provide clarification. However, until now it has been very difficult to analyse and evaluate the scan images of this method so that the correct diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations could be made. But with the help of AI, this is different. A new automated technique makes this possible, as shown by study results on 1,000 people with heart disease who were analysed using AI technology. The study was financed by the British Heart Foundation. The blood flow to the heart muscle is exact and precise and can be analysed immediately in quantity, according to the researchers who published their results in the English language journal „Circulation“. The results can also be immediately forwarded to doctors and medical teams so that therapy leads to treatment success and thus to better patient care. AI thus has the potential to save human lives if, in combination with imaging techniques, the detection of heart disease is improved and immediate intervention is possible. In routine examinations, AI calculations could thus reliably increase the ability to predict poor blood flow and lead to improved treatment.
