By: Aditya Ahuja
In a study conducted in Leicester, researchers explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect the risk of a deadly cardiac rhythm disorder called ventricular arrhythmia (VA).
Led by Dr. Joseph Barker in collaboration with Professor Andre Ng, the study found that an AI tool accurately identified the condition 80% of the time. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health.
What is Ventricular arrhythmia?
Ventricular arrhythmia is a serious heart rhythm disorder that can lead to sudden loss of consciousness and death if not treated promptly. The study, conducted at the University of Leicester’s Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, involved analyzing Holter electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 270 adults as part of their routine NHS care between 2014 and 2022.
Dr. Barker, along with Dr. Xin Li from the School of Engineering, developed the AI tool named VA-ResNet-50. It examined the normal heart rhythms of patients to determine their risk of lethal arrhythmia. The study revealed that the AI tool performed well, correctly predicting the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in 4 out of every 5 cases.
Professor Ng emphasized the importance of this AI tool in accurately identifying at-risk patients who would benefit from life-saving treatment. He highlighted the need for more accurate clinical guidelines to prevent deaths from ventricular arrhythmia.
Dr Barker’s work has been recognised with a van Geest Foundation Award and Heart Rhythm Society Scholarship and more research will be carried out to develop the work further.
(With ANI inputs)