Shimla
In a breakthrough that could transform preventive healthcare, an AI-powered blood test may soon help to detect the risk of heart disease up to 15 years before it develops, giving millions a chance to prevent life-threatening cardiac conditions through timely intervention.
Sharing insights from a landmark study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, former Head of Cardiology at IGMC Shimla, Dr P.C. Negi, said the AI-driven CardiOmicScore technology analyses thousands of molecular biomarkers from a single blood sample to accurately assess a person’s future risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Negi described the innovation as a major leap towards predictive and personalised healthcare, where treatment begins long before disease strikes. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, doctors could identify high-risk individuals early and recommend customised lifestyle changes, regular monitoring and preventive medication.
He said the technology is particularly significant for Himachal Pradesh, where changing food habits, sedentary lifestyles and rising cases of diabetes, obesity and hypertension are increasing the burden of heart disease, even in rural areas.
“Early prediction means early prevention. If we can identify people at risk years in advance, many heart attacks can be avoided and lives can be saved,” Dr Negi said.
Although the research is still undergoing wider clinical validation, medical experts believe the AI-based test has the potential to usher in a new era of preventive cardiology, making healthcare more proactive, precise and effective.
