AI Detects Hidden Heart Risk Using Bone Scans
Summary: A powerful new AI tool can detect hidden heart and fracture risks in older women using routine bone scans. Developed by researchers at Edith Cowan University, the AI identifies arterial calcification, a key warning sign for heart disease and falls, faster and more accurately than human experts.
Can Your Bone Scan Reveal Hidden Heart Risk?
58% of older women show heart risk signs on routine bone scans, but most don’t even know it. A groundbreaking AI tool might change that.
In a major medical leap, researchers have created an artificial intelligence system that can analyse routine bone density scans and flag hidden cardiovascular and fracture risks, all in under a minute.
This AI bone scan technology, developed by Edith Cowan University (ECU) in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, is designed to detect abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a sneaky but serious marker of
- Heart disease
- Fall-related injuries
AI That Sees What Doctors Might Miss
Traditionally, assessing AAC requires time and expertise, about 5 to 6 minutes per image by a trained specialist. But this AI? It scans thousands of images in seconds, offering a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Cassandra Smith, ECU research fellow, explains: “Women are recognized as being under-screened and under-treated for cardiovascular disease. This study shows that we can use widely available, low radiation bone density machines to identify women at high risk of cardiovascular disease, which would allow them to seek treatment.”
This AI innovation taps into existing vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) images, usually collected to check for osteoporosis, making it cost-effective, accessible, and non-invasive.
Hidden Heart Trouble: The AAC Connection
AAC is a buildup of calcium in the abdominal aorta and is often symptom-free. But when the AI tool scanned VFA images of older women, the results were striking:
- 58% had moderate to high AAC levels
- 1 in 4 were completely unaware they had high AAC
- These women face the highest risk of heart attack and stroke
More Than Just the Heart - It Predicts Falls Too
The AI doesn’t stop at spotting heart issues. It also uncovers an alarming link between arterial calcification and fall-related fractures.
Dr. Marc Sim, ECU senior research fellow, found: “The higher the calcification in your arteries, the higher the risk of falls and fractures.”
He adds:
“AAC was a very strong contributor to falls risks and was actually more significant than other factors that are clinically identified as falls risk factors.”
This is a game-changer. While clinicians traditionally assess past falls, bone density, and certain medications, vascular health is often ignored. Now, they can spot this hidden risk in one simple scan.
What This Means for Patients
The AI-powered tool could:
- Help detect hidden heart attack risks early
- Offer new insights into fall and fracture prevention
- Improve screening for older adults, especially women
- Use already available bone scan images, requiring no extra tests
And the best part? It’s fast, efficient, and could become a regular part of your osteoporosis check-up.
A Smarter, Safer Future in Healthcare
Thanks to this smart AI tool, doctors can now detect hidden cardiovascular and fracture risks just by analyzing routine bone scans. Early detection means more informed decisions, better care, and potentially lifesaving treatments.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
