NCH's Innovative AI Technology to Predict Heart Attack Risks a Decade Ahead

NCH's Groundbreaking Implementation of AI for Heart Health

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has officially made history by becoming the first hospital in the United States to integrate an innovative artificial intelligence system designed to identify hidden risks for heart attacks a decade ahead of time. This collaboration with Caristo Diagnostics marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of preventive cardiology. The advanced technologies, known as CaRi-Plaque™ and CaRi-Heart™, leverage AI imaging methods to not only spot early signs of heart disease but also predict potential heart attack risks far before any clinical symptoms manifest.

Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Care

The NCH Rooney Heart Institute will implement these cutting-edge technologies to transition cardiovascular care from a reactive to a proactive model. Clinicians have traditionally responded to heart attacks after they occur, but Caristo's advancements will allow for preemptive action. This is crucial, as it addresses a significant gap in current clinical practices that often overlook patients exhibiting inflammatory disease activity, relying instead on visible plaque assessments. The stark reality is that many cardiac events happen in patients who do not present with obstructive plaque, making traditional methods insufficient.

AI-Powered Insights into Heart Disease

The cornerstone of this initiative is Caristo's FDA-cleared CaRi-Plaque™ technology. This tool analyzes coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans—the go-to imaging procedure used for patients experiencing chest pain—to detect high-risk plaque that could potentially lead to heart attacks. Complementarily, the CaRi-Heart™ technology stands out as the only system globally that can detect and quantify coronary inflammation, a critical early indicator of heart disease, without the need for visible plaque development. This technology allows clinicians to assign a risk score that advises both doctors and patients regarding their chances of experiencing a cardiac event within a 10-year span.

Clinical Implications and Future Research

This collaboration not only facilitates a safer approach to cardiology but also amplifies research opportunities. Doctors at NCH are set to present their strategies and findings regarding this revolutionary technology at the upcoming American Heart Association 2025 Scientific Sessions. The event will showcase the integration of imaging techniques and AI in reshaping how clinicians manage and detect coronary heart diseases.

Enhancing Patient Care Through Preventive Services

In addition to adopting these innovative technologies, NCH is launching a new preventive heart health service aimed at individuals wishing to take proactive steps regarding their cardiovascular health. This self-pay program offers patients access to the NCH-Caristo program, allowing anyone who is concerned about their heart condition to enroll and take advantage of this advanced detection and monitoring system.

NCH's leadership emphasizes that this innovative initiative aims to give patients the best chance of preventing a heart attack before any symptoms arise. As Dr. Carl E. Orringer, Director of Preventive Cardiology at NCH Rooney Heart Institute, remarks, "This technology is built on world-class science and rigorous clinical research, allowing us to tackle heart disease head-on before it becomes a substantial threat."

The Future of Heart Health

With the implementation of AI technologies such as CaRi-Plaque™ and CaRi-Heart™, NCH is positioning itself at the forefront of heart health innovation. Both NCH and Caristo Diagnostics are committed to harnessing state-of-the-art science in their quest to detect heart disease at its earliest stages, ultimately striving to enhance patient outcomes and save lives. This landmark partnership sets a precedent for other hospitals and healthcare providers nationwide, indicating a significant shift towards prioritizing prevention in the realm of cardiovascular health.