people it may affect and helping detect it earlier.
If the research can be replicated, AI has the potential to help people with undiagnosed AFib who are at a high risk of stroke.
Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. Suppose artificial intelligence can identify patients who would have normally never been diagnosed until they have a stroke. In that case, huge impacts can be made on patients’ quality of life, disability, and longevity.
This research may prove that AI can help accurately detect serious irregular heartbeat issues, even when there’s no obvious evidence to the human eye. Patients could see this technology being used routinely in a few years once more robust data has been collected and a higher percentage of accuracy can be achieved in the larger population.
RELATED: ‘Holiday Heart’: When Drinking Triggers Dangerous A-fib
AI might be scaled so it could be used in consumer products to help detect health problems. It could become very easy and seamless for people to get detected. This could enable long-term and more frequent EKGs, improving machine learning and improving EKG accuracy.
As the trend continues for more patient-directed care, AI-enabled technology could be used as a screening tool used by clinicians and as a direct consumer product, such as a function in a smartwatch.
However, until AI can detect AFib by using your smartwatch or smartphone, the Mayo Clinic’s research still must undergo more testing and scrutiny before it’s widely used.
This information can likely be best applied to patients with unexplained strokes. Many patients are diagnosed with unexplained strokes where undiagnosed atrial fibrillation is suspected. AI could significantly reduce the testing needed to detect atrial fibrillation.
This could improve and save people’s lives.
If you have concerns about strokes or cardiovascular disease, get peace of mind or early detection by being screened for atrial fibrillation.