FAQ on AI Research for Cardiovascular Disease Screening and Treatment

What is the main focus of the research projects funded by the American Heart Association?

The research projects aim to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate and improve screening and treatment for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Why is this research significant?

This research is significant because it seeks to harness AI technology to improve health outcomes and save lives by enabling early detection and treatment of cardiovascular, kidney, and liver diseases.

How will the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research utilize AI in their project?

They will use AI to expand the usefulness of heart ultrasounds by detecting early signs of kidney and liver disease, aiming to alert doctors and patients to these findings for early treatment.

Who is leading the research at Kaiser Permanente?

The research is led by David Ouyang, M.D., a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research and a non-invasive cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center.

When did the funding for these research projects start?

The funding for these projects started on July 1, 2025.

Where will the research be conducted?

The research will be conducted in four health care systems: Stanford Health Care, Cedars-Sinai, Massachusetts General Brigham, and Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

What are the potential benefits of using AI in cardiovascular disease screening?

Potential benefits include early diagnosis of kidney and liver disease, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced complications related to cardiovascular disease.

How does this initiative compare to traditional methods of disease screening?

This initiative leverages AI to analyze data from common, inexpensive, and non-radiation tests (echocardiograms) for additional insights, offering a more comprehensive approach than traditional methods focused solely on the heart.

What should people know about the role of AI in healthcare?

People should know that AI is becoming an integral part of healthcare, offering innovative ways to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes, as demonstrated by this research into cardiovascular disease.

Who can be contacted for more information about these research projects?

For more information, individuals can reach out to the American Heart Association or the respective research teams at Kaiser Permanente and the University of Michigan.