NHS is using an AI tool that can identify the risk of a heart attack before it happens. The CaRi-Heart tool, developed by Caristo Diagnostics and based on research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), predicts possible heart disease using routine heart scans. Caristo was founded in 2018 by Cardiologists at the University of Oxford, following a decade of scientific research and technical development, to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment.
It works by scanning “ticking-time-bomb” arteries that could become clogged to cause a heart attack. Looking at regular heart scans the artificial intelligence (AI) technology produces a ‘fat attenuation index score’ (FAI-Score), which accurately measures inflammation of blood vessels in and around the heart. It’s the inflammation that could eventually lead to a heart attack. Those identified at high risk of a future heart attack can then be given personalized medication, as well as being monitored more closely, to prevent a life-threatening situation.
Dr. Cheerag Shirodaria, chief executive officer and co-founder of Caristo Diagnostics, said: “The beauty of our technology is that it will not only save countless lives, but it is incredibly simple. CaRi-Heart analysis can be undertaken on any CT heart scan, hospitals don’t need to change equipment and patients don’t need another test.
“Physicians simply need to send their patient’s CT heart scan and they will then receive the personalized FAI-Score and CaRi-Heart Risk to guide patient management. It fits perfectly with a physician’s workflow.”
They found that people with an abnormal FAI were up to nine times more likely to die of a heart attack in the next nine years than those with normal FAI readings. The study also showed that at least one-third of patients who underwent a routine coronary CT angiogram and were initially considered low risk had a much higher risk after CaRi-Heart was applied to their scan.
Researchers are now looking at ways to use the technology to better predict an individual’s risk of developing stroke and diabetes by analyzing routine CT scans. They are also developing an AI tool to specifically identify Covid-19 patients who are at high risk of having a future heart attack or stroke.
Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “The development and approval of this new AI tool is a major success story. It’s a prime example of how BHF-funded research can lay the foundations for a truly transformational advance in the diagnosis and prevention of heart and circulatory diseases.
“This research exemplifies the fundamental role medical research charities play in the translation of scientific research into the commercial and clinical sectors, which ultimately benefits the UK’s scientific ecosystem and patients with cardiovascular disease.
“Sadly, the pandemic has had a devastating blow to the BHF’s research spend, cutting it in half by £50 million this year alone. We need the kind support of the public more than ever to continue our life-saving research so more projects like this can get off the ground.”
NHS is rolling out this AI tool at 15 hospitals around the country to help in identifying heart attack before they happen. It also hopes up to 350,000 patients could benefit every year.
