AI breakthrough means single X-ray can help predict heart disease

Model could be used to identify at-risk patients who are not currently taking statin medication, Mustafa Javid Qadri reports

This form of AI can predict the risk of heart disease using simply one chest X-ray, study suggests (Radiological Society of North America)

A new artificial intelligence (AI) breakthrough means a single chest X-ray can predict the risk of a heart attack or stroke within 10 years, scientists have claimed.

Researchers say deep learning, an advanced type of AI, can be trained to examine X-rays and find patterns associated with conditions stemming from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) - a serious condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart are narrowed or blocked.

Known as CXR-CVD risk, the deep learning can be used to help establish who should get medication earlier on for primary prevention, scientists said.