NHS trials AI to diagnose heart disease in just two seconds – as 400K waiting for tests

DOCTORS could diagnose heart disease in as little as two seconds with AI technology being trialled in the NHS. Artificial intelligence has been trained by scientists at Imperial College London to analyse results from an electrocardiogram (ECG) test at “superhuman” speed. Doctors could use AI to check ECG results faster (stock image) Credit: Getty – Contributor Millions of people in the UK have heart diseases (stock image) Credit: Alamy It was up to 90 per cent accurate in a trial and also spotted details that are invisible to the naked eye. Another piece of software developed at the University of Tokyo can tell if someone has high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes from just a five second video of their face. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Nearly 400,000 people are on NHS waiting lists for heart tests and medics hope the computers will cut backlogs. Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical adviser at the charity Heart Research UK, said: “These are exciting developments. Read more on heart health “The real potential is not for AI to replace cardiologists or heart scans, but to act as an incredibly rapid extra pair of eyes.” The ECG technology, funded by the British Heart Foundation, will be tested in NHS hospitals in London and Bristol as a way to filter high and low risk patients. Study author Professor Fu Siong Ng, from Imperial College, said: “Patients often wait several months for a heart ultrasound scan after being referred by their doctor. “It is exciting that our technology could identify patients most at risk so they could be prioritised.” Most read in Health Prof Ng added that the ECG is one of the most common health tests so the computer could spot heart warning signs that doctors are not even looking for. The AI was trained to recognise problems using more than 10million real ECG results to show how results indicate different diseases. Study results presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich showed its accuracy. It spotted 86 per cent of cases of reduced heart pumping function, a form of heart failure that affects one million people in the UK. It was up to 90 per cent accurate at diagnosing aortic stenosis, where a heart artery is too narrow. Dr Ahmed El-Medany, from Imperial College London, said: “There is potentially far more information hidden within a routine ECG than we can recognise by looking at it ourselves.” Study results showed the Tokyo team’s video technology could detect high blood pressure by watching circulation in the face and hands, with up to 90 per cent accuracy. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Comment now