A new way of identifying a common condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly may have been discovered by artificial intelligence.
Atrial fibrillation affects one million people in the UK and increases the risk of stroke and long-term heart problems.
It is relatively simple to diagnose when the heart is beating irregularly, but not when it returns to normal.
Computer modelling at the Mayo Clinic in the US may have identified signs that indicate previous abnormalities.
Researchers said it was still early days, but believe the system could lead to earlier and easier topplay detection of the problem and, therefore, ensure patients get the right treatment, saving lives.
Atrial fibrillation symptoms
1.Noticeable heart palpitations, when the heart feels like it is pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly 2.Your heart may also beat very fast (often considerably higher than 100 beats per minute) 3.You can work out your heart rate by checking the pulse in your neck or wrist. 4.Other symptoms may include tiredness and being less able to exercise, breathlessness, feeling faint or light-headed and chest pain 5.The way the heart beats in atrial fibrillation reduces the heart's performance and efficiency 6.This can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) and heart failure 7.You should see your GP immediately if you notice a sudden change in your heartbeat and experience chest pain 8.Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular.
