Breakthrough: Eye Scan and AI Forecasts Heart Disease in Seconds
Thursday, 17 July 2025 () A standard digital photograph of the retina may soon become a powerful tool in predicting a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke within the next ten years. A team of international researchers from the University of Dundee has developed an AI-driven system that can analyze these images and deliver an individualized cardiovascular risk profile in mere seconds. The findings were published in the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology. The algorithm focuses on identifying subtle vascular changes—such as narrowing, blockages, or structural damage—within the retina that mirror the condition of the entire cardiovascular system. In a study involving over 1,200 participants, those flagged by the AI as having the most dramatic rise in risk over a three-year period were found to be 54% more likely to suffer cardiovascular events. “This approach could transform routine eye exams into lifesaving screening tools,” the researchers noted. The predictive accuracy of the AI model reached 70% using only retinal images, and 73% when combined with traditional risk assessments and genetic testing. Experts believe that this innovation could soon be integrated into regular ophthalmologic check-ups, making early intervention more accessible.
Thursday, 17 July 2025 ()
