AI technology improves rapid detection of heart disease risks

New artificial intelligence technology is being developed to assist medical professionals in identifying heart disease more rapidly. Presented at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress, this AI tool can analyze a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) in less than two seconds to detect signals that may be missed during traditional human analysis.

In a study involving 67,000 patients in the United States, the tool identified up to 81% of individuals with heart failure and up to 90% of those with valvular disease. While the AI does not provide a definitive diagnosis—which still requires follow-up tests like an echocardiogram—it serves as an early warning system to help high-risk patients secure necessary specialist appointments more quickly.

Maintaining cardiovascular health remains a critical global priority, as heart disease is a leading cause of death. Key indicators of heart health include stable heart rate, normal blood pressure, and the absence of suspicious symptoms. Clinical guidelines, such as those from the ESC 2024, note that blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher are classified as grade 1 hypertension, signaling that the heart and arteries are working under excessive load.