Artificial Intelligence Can Help Detect Early Signs of Heart Failure

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that applying artificial intelligence (AI) to a widely available, inexpensive test — the EKG — results in a simple, affordable test for early signs of heart failure. The test detects asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, which is a precursor to heart failure. Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction affects 7 million Americans, and is associated with reduced quality of life and longevity. But asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction is treatable when identified. The research team found that the AI/EKG test accuracy compares favorably with other common screening tests, such as mammography for breast cancer. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.

On the Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Paul Friedman, chair of the Department of Cardiology at Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Peter Noseworthy, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, share how AI is helping detect problems with the heart.