AI heart scan can detect artery blockages years before the first symptoms. Here’s how it works

According to studies, nearly half of all heart attacks are "silent," showing no symptoms before the event. A medical technology company called Fountain Life plans to address this by utilizing artificial intelligence to detect pre-symptomatic heart conditions. They offer an AI coronary artery scan that claims to identify heart attack risks several years before any symptoms first appear.

How does the AI heart scan work?

Fountain Life offers an outpatient procedure that involves injecting dye into the vein and conducting a quick CAT scan of the heart. The AI technology then analyzes the scan results, providing insights into heart health by detecting the amount and type of plaque present. This non-invasive alternative to traditional procedures has the potential to aid in reversing heart disease. Fountain Life aims to partner with physicians to make its AI health services more widely available, with a focus on early detection and prevention of chronic diseases. The AI model is trained on large datasets, including asymptomatic conditions, to enhance accuracy.


Aside from the heart scan, Fountain Life also provides a full-body MRI that utilizes AI technology to detect various abnormalities, including cancer and neurogenerative diseases. Cardiologists recognize the potential of AI in early detection and treatment decision-making. The company's proactive approach to healthcare aims to shift the focus from reactive to preventive measures.

What have patients said about AI heart scans?

Patients who have undergone the AI coronary artery scan have expressed gratitude for the life-saving potential of the technology. Fountain Life aims to complement the work of cardiologists, utilizing AI as a tool to enhance their capabilities. Despite challenges such as the clinical latency gap and payment models, the company believes in the potential of AI to improve outcomes by addressing health problems at their root causes.

The risk of the AI artery scan is minimal, involving only low-dose radiation equivalent to a transatlantic flight. Fountain Life's goal is to lower costs and improve outcomes, allowing people to live long, healthy lives by detecting problems early and reversing them at a low cost. With AI as a partner in healthcare, the company envisions a proactive approach that benefits patients and doctors alike.

FAQs:

Q1:What is AI?
The term AI, which was introduced in the 1950s, pertains to machines mimicking human intelligence. It encompasses a constantly evolving range of abilities driven by advancements in technology. AI encompasses various technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning.

Q2:What was the first AI model?
In 1951, Christopher Strachey, who would later become the director of the Programming Research Group at the University of Oxford, developed the earliest successful AI program. His checkers (draughts) program ran on the Ferranti Mark I computer at the University of Manchester, England.