Discovering Your Vascular Age with AI in Preventive Cardiology

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Vascular Age
3. Calculating Vascular Age
   • 3.1. Past Methods
   • 3.2. Mayo Clinic's Approach
4. Implications of Vascular Age
   • 4.1. Heart Attacks
   • 4.2. Peripheral Vascular Disease
   • 4.3. Strokes
5. Recommendations for Improving Vascular Age
   • 5.1. Exercise Regularly
   • 5.2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   • 5.3. Follow a Healthy Diet
6. Artificial Intelligence in Preventive Cardiology
   • 6.1. Using Electrocardiogram (ECG)
   • 6.2. Identifying Other Conditions
7. Future Possibilities with Artificial Intelligence
   • 7.1. Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation
   • 7.2. Identifying Infiltrative Diseases
8. Conclusion
9. How to Reach Out

Introduction

Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education Podcast! In this episode, we will be discussing a fascinating concept pioneered by Dr. Francisco Lopez Jimenez, the Chair of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Jimenez has been at the forefront of utilizing artificial intelligence tools in preventive cardiology, with a particular focus on understanding and calculating vascular age.

Understanding Vascular Age

We all know that people age at different speeds. Some individuals appear older or younger than their chronological age suggests. Vascular age, as described by Dr. Jimenez, refers to the aging of our vascular system, including the heart arteries and veins. It is believed that vascular age can predispose individuals to a higher risk of heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, and strokes. While the concept of vascular age has been discussed for decades, recent advancements in technology are shedding new light on how it can be accurately measured.

Calculating Vascular Age

Traditionally, the calculation of vascular age was Based on counting the number and severity of risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol. However, this method did not provide significant Insight beyond the correlation between risk factors and arterial health. At Mayo Clinic, Dr. Jimenez and his team have been experimenting with using electrocardiograms (ECG) to calculate vascular age. While initially not perfect, further analysis revealed that ECG readings were indicative of vascular age and correlated with the likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality.

Implications of Vascular Age

Understanding an individual's vascular age can have profound implications for their health. If an ECG suggests an older vascular age than their chronological age, it serves as a warning sign for potential cardiovascular issues. On the other HAND, a younger vascular age indicates healthy arteries and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. By accurately assessing vascular age, doctors can provide personalized recommendations and interventions to mitigate the risks associated with an older vascular age.

Heart Attacks

Individuals with an older vascular age are more susceptible to experiencing heart attacks. Identifying an older vascular age through the use of ECG allows healthcare professionals to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart attacks. This may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or further diagnostic tests.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease refers to the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs. Calculating vascular age can help identify individuals at a higher risk of developing this condition. Early intervention and management can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Strokes

Stroke risk is also closely associated with vascular age. By assessing vascular age through ECG, doctors can identify individuals who are more likely to develop strokes. This knowledge allows for targeted preventive measures, such as prescribing anticoagulant medications or recommending lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of strokes.

Recommendations for Improving Vascular Age

The good news is that the same lifestyle changes recommended for preventing heart attacks are also beneficial for individuals with an older vascular age. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy diet can have a significant impact on improving vascular age. Remarkably, improvements in vascular age can be seen in as little as six months with dedicated lifestyle modifications.

Artificial Intelligence in Preventive Cardiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of preventive cardiology. At Mayo Clinic, Dr. Jimenez and his team have been harnessing the power of AI to analyze ECGs and identify Patterns that indicate various cardiovascular conditions beyond what the ECG was originally intended for. This innovative approach has shown promising results in detecting conditions such as low ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, and even infiltrative diseases like cardiac amyloidosis.

Future Possibilities with Artificial Intelligence

As AI continues to advance in the medical field, there are countless possibilities for enhancing preventive cardiology. Early detection of atrial fibrillation, despite normal ECG readings, could be a game-changer in stroke prevention. Additionally, AI algorithms may help identify infiltrative diseases like amyloidosis or sarcoidosis by analyzing subtle ECG patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Conclusion

The integration of artificial intelligence in preventive cardiology, particularly in determining vascular age through ECG analysis, holds immense potential for improving patient care and outcomes. While AI will Never replace doctors, it will augment their abilities by providing additional insights, enabling early detection, and facilitating targeted interventions. The future of preventive cardiology is an exciting one, and Mayo Clinic remains at the forefront of these advancements.

How to Reach Out

Thank You for joining us today! We value your thoughts and suggestions. If you have any feedback or would like to share your insights, please email cv.self-study@mayo.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME Podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated on the latest cardiology topics.