Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithm that can detect an abnormal heart rhythm or atrial fibrillation in people without symptoms. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

The team from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre found that the algorithm, which identified hidden signals in common medical diagnostic testing, may help doctors better prevent strokes and other cardiovascular complications in people with the most common type of heart rhythm disorder.