A new AI tool can identify people with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF) even before they show symptoms.
AF causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat, increasing the risk of stroke. Around 1.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with AF, but many remain unaware they have it. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, dizziness, or tiredness, but some people have no symptoms at all.
Early detection and treatment of AF can reduce the risk of stroke. The AI tool scans GP records for signs that suggest someone may develop AF. If a person is at risk, they receive a handheld ECG device to check their heart rhythm. The data is reviewed, and if AF is found, the person’s doctor is informed to discuss treatment options.
One participant, 74-year-old John Pengelly, joined the trial and was diagnosed with AF. He now takes daily medication to lower his stroke risk. John, a retired Army veteran, said, “I’m really grateful it was detected. It’s just a couple of pills a day to stay healthy.”
Developed by scientists at the University of Leeds and funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the AI tool uses anonymized medical records from over 2.1 million people to detect risk factors like age, ethnicity, and existing conditions.
Experts hope the success of this West Yorkshire study will lead to a UK-wide trial, potentially preventing thousands of strokes every year.
Professor Chris Gale, a cardiovascular expert, emphasized the importance of early detection, saying, “The first sign of AF for many is a stroke, which can be life-changing. This tool could prevent that.”
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan from the BHF added, “This research helps identify hidden risks and offers life-saving treatments to more people.”
The NHS reports that its efforts to treat AF have already prevented thousands of strokes, and it aims to expand these successes further with tools like this new AI technology.
Source: lbc
