European Society of Cardiology launches CHAIN AI network

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has launched the European Network for Data and Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Health (CHAIN). This multi-sectoral consortium involves 20 European countries and includes universities, research centers, hospitals, technology companies, national health ministries, and patient organizations.

Co-funded by the EU4Health programme, CHAIN aims to create a federated ecosystem aligned with the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The initiative seeks to address the fragmentation in AI uptake and the lack of standardized validation mechanisms in cardiovascular care. By leveraging health data and AI, the network intends to improve the prevention, early detection, and management of cardiovascular diseases and related non-communicable diseases.

Over the next three years, the project intends to establish a strategic roadmap to drive the scalable and safe adoption of AI across Europe. This effort aligns with the EU’s Safe Heart Plan, focusing on integrating digital technologies into cardiovascular healthcare to reduce the significant economic and mortality burden caused by these diseases.