If you have heart disease, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure in check is a big deal. But it's not always easy. A new study shows that an artificial intelligence (AI) system might give you a helpful nudge.
Researchers in China tested an AI-enhanced management system called AIM-CHD in 1,100 adults with confirmed coronary heart disease. Half got usual care, and half used the AI system, which automatically gathered health data, assessed risk, and sent personalized feedback through a smartphone app.
After 3 months, people using the AI system had lower LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) on average: 60.4 mg/dL versus 63.7 mg/dL in the usual care group. More importantly, 71% of AI users hit the LDL goal below 70 mg/dL, compared to 64% in the control group. They also did better on blood pressure: 45% reached the target below 130/80 mm Hg, versus 35% in the control group.
These differences were statistically significant, meaning they're unlikely to be due to chance. However, the study only lasted 3 months, and it was done at a single center. We don't know yet if these benefits last or if they translate to fewer heart attacks or strokes. Also, the study didn't report on side effects or safety issues.
Still, this is promising. It suggests that a smartphone-based AI system could be a practical way to help people with heart disease stay on track. If you're interested, talk to your doctor about what tools might work for you.
