Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic is using AI and genetic data to detect early signs of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare and often fatal heart condition.
Researchers identified subtle warning patterns in patients with mutations in the PKP2 gene, which is linked to the disease, according to a Nov. 10 news release. About 1 in 2,000 people carry this mutation, though many never develop symptoms. The research drew on Mayo Clinic’s Research Data Atlas and electrocardiogram data analyzed by an AI model.
The AI detected faint electrical irregularities in patients’ heart rhythms, which may precede symptoms or damage. Based on those findings, researchers provided smartwatches to individuals showing early signs of the disease to help monitor activity, since strenuous exercise may accelerate its progression.
The team is also exploring the possibility of prevention using gene therapy, according to the release.
This project is part of Mayo Clinic’s broader Precure initiative, which aims to identify and address diseases before symptoms arise.
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