Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence joins forces with SEHA

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has joined forces with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, to develop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that can predict if someone will have a heart attack months before it takes place. This breakthrough is expected to save lives with global statistics indicating that across the globe, somebody dies of a heart attack every two seconds – a figure which is rising across the Middle East.

In an exclusive statement to Al Khaleej about AI applications in the healthcare sector, Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, Assistant Professor in Computer Vision at MBZUAI, said: “Our project is in its initial stages, but we have already started to develop algorithms capable of identifying people who are more likely to experience a heart attack. This can be done with an accuracy rate of 87% through ultrasound images, without the need to visit a doctor for a consultation.”

Yaqub stated that the project aims to reach a stage where a heart attack can be pre-emptively predicted both in the following months as well as on a longer-term basis.

The motive behind the development of AI algorithms which can predict future heart attacks is due to high rates of sudden cardiac arrest around the world. Some studies suggest that the prevalence of heart disease is higher in the Middle East than Europe.

“We are currently working on using medical imaging to identify people who may be prone to heart attacks such as people with health problems or the elderly. This will help us to develop AI algorithms capable of identifying whether they may suffer a heart attack after a month, two months, or more. The project is being developed in collaboration with SEHA, specifically with Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi. It is in its initial phase and was launched around four months ago,” Yaqub added.

SEHA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MBZUAI to integrate AI into the healthcare industry, with the aim of improving clinical and patient experiences, and conducting collaborative research projects between the two entities.