smartwatches Show Promise in Early Heart Disease Detection
AMSTERDAM - Artificial intelligence integrated into smartwatches is demonstrating teh potential for early detection of structural heart disease and congestive heart failure, offering a critically important leap forward in preventative cardiology. Researchers are developing and validating AI algorithms capable of analyzing data collected from wearable devices to identify subtle indicators of heart problems often missed in routine checkups.
A recent study highlighted the ability of an AI model to analyse data from smartwatches, contributing to the early detection of diseases that would or else only come to light at an advanced stage.While the initial test group with diagnosed structural heart disease was relatively small and the model produced some false-positive results,researchers emphasize the promising nature of the findings and are conducting further validation studies in larger,diverse populations.
The next phase involves integrating the AI algorithm into community-based screening programs to assess weather smartwatch-based AI can improve preventative care and reduce cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
Separately, researchers at the University of Tampere have developed a new method for detecting congestive heart failure via smartwatches. This technology analyzes intervals between heartbeats using advanced time series analysis, achieving 90% accuracy in distinguishing heart failure from other conditions when tested against international ECG databases.
“By using AI through technology that people already use every day,we can detect heart disease earlier and prevent complications. That is not just a technological advance, but a real shift in how we approach healthcare,” said researcher Arash Aminorroaya.
Currently, smartwatches commonly detect atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythms).These innovations, compatible with devices like Apple and Fitbit watches, expand their capabilities to include early detection of heart failure, potentially transforming smartwatches from fitness trackers into life-saving healthcare instruments.
