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An AI-Driven Approach to Predicting Heart Disease Risk Emerges from Global Study, Boosting Hopes for Targeted Intervention

• By John K. Waters
• 10/28/2024

In a breakthrough for cardiovascular care, a novel AI-based method has shown promise in predicting severe heart-related incidents in patients exhibiting symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). The findings, which were presented at this year’s Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2024 conference, emerged from the CONFIRM2 study, a global multicenter trial involving 3,551 patients. The research is being hailed as a potential turning point in the early detection and intervention of CAD.

The study, titled "Prognostic value of AI-guided quantitative coronary CT angiography (AI-QCT) technology in patients with suspected coronary artery disease," was led by Dr. Alexander R. van Rosendael from the Department of Cardiology at Leiden University Medical Center. The CONFIRM2 study represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to date to validate the predictive power of artificial intelligence in assessing heart disease risk using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

In the largest study of its kind, researchers harnessed AI-QCT technology from Cleerly, which leverages advanced algorithms to assess CCTA data. Through this AI-driven approach, clinicians were able to analyze intricate features of atherosclerosis, which plays a critical role in heart disease progression. The analysis revealed that two specific metrics—percent diameter stenosis and non-calcified plaque volume—were the most reliable predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among symptomatic patients. Remarkably, the study found that calcified plaque volume, a previously significant factor, did not independently predict adverse outcomes.

"The integration of AI in assessing coronary artery disease represents a transformative leap in our ability to predict and manage coronary heart disease-related events," said Dr. James K. Min, founder and CEO of Cleerly, in a statement. "AI-QCT analysis of cardiac CT provides precise diameter stenosis percentages and detailed insights into non-calcified plaque volume based on millions of images. This research not only highlights the potential of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy but underscores the importance of early intervention in reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events."

Coronary artery disease is one of the most pervasive and fatal cardiovascular conditions globally. For years, physicians have relied on clinical assessments and traditional risk scores to evaluate the likelihood of heart-related complications. However, these methods often lacked precision, leading to generalized treatment plans that, in some cases, could miss early warning signs.

With the CONFIRM2 study, researchers have taken a different approach. By focusing on the plaque’s non-calcified portions and narrowing within coronary arteries, AI-QCT technology enables healthcare providers to measure the most critical indicators of risk with unprecedented accuracy. This focus on two primary metrics opens new doors for targeted interventions and precision medicine, aiming to personalize care and improve outcomes for patients who may otherwise be at high risk for cardiovascular events.

"Incorporating AI into CAD assessment is more than just a technological advancement," Dr. Min added. "It’s about fundamentally changing how we think about, diagnose, and ultimately treat heart disease. Early detection through AI-driven insights gives patients a fighting chance at preventing potentially life-threatening cardiac events."

With patients recruited from 18 sites across 13 countries, the CONFIRM2 study has also demonstrated the global applicability of this AI-driven approach, spanning diverse populations and healthcare systems. For Cleerly, a company that has dedicated its efforts to creating a new standard of heart disease care, these findings validate years of investment and research aimed at making cardiac assessments more precise and accessible.

Dr. van Rosendael highlighted the collaborative nature of this study as a critical component in advancing CAD treatment worldwide. "The strength of this study lies in its diversity and scale," he said. "These findings are relevant across different patient demographics and healthcare settings, which gives us confidence in recommending this technology as a standard part of CAD evaluation globally."

Cleerly’s mission to eliminate heart attacks is rooted in scientific rigor. Utilizing a data bank of millions of images collected from over 40,000 patients, Cleerly’s AI-powered diagnostics have obtained FDA clearance, positioning the company as a leader in non-invasive cardiac imaging. The company’s goal, as outlined on its website, is to enhance health literacy and streamline the coronary care pathway through actionable insights for patients, physicians, and the healthcare community at large.

Although more extensive longitudinal studies and clinical trials are necessary to further validate these findings, the CONFIRM2 results mark a significant stride toward redefining cardiovascular care. The hope is that AI-powered diagnostic tools like AI-QCT will soon become integral to routine clinical practice, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.

For now, Cleerly and its partners remain focused on refining and expanding the reach of this AI-based technology, with the overarching goal of equipping healthcare providers with the tools to prevent heart attacks before they occur. For patients worldwide, this represents a glimmer of hope for a future with fewer cardiovascular emergencies and greater possibilities for a healthier, heart-attack-free life.