Richard Humphreys |
Apollo Hospitals in India has introduced a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score API, designed specifically to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in the Indian population. The platform has been launched as part of Microsoft’s AI Network for Healthcare initiative, a programme which aims to accelerate healthcare innovation.
Built on the Microsoft Azure cloud, the application programming interface (API) has been developed using a combination of applied artificial intelligence (AI) and clinical expertise on a large sample of retrospective data on health checks and coronary events. The scoring considers risk contributors such as diet, smoking preferences and physical activity as well as psychological stress and anxiety. The score categorises risk into high, moderate and minimal and also provides insights on the top modifiable risk contributors, thereby assisting physicians to consult patients in a more holistic way, while providing insights to patients for lifestyle modification and timely interventions.
Sangita Reddy, joint managing director at Apollo Hospitals said: “This partnership is part of our continuing endeavour to design new tools and equip our doctors in the fight against non-communicable diseases. The amalgamation of AI and machine learning with the global expertise of our doctors will help prevent heart disease, save lives and ensure those with heart disease can make informed choices on their health. We are confident that the combined power of Apollo and Microsoft can make a meaningful impact to stem the rise of heart disease in India.”
“We believe in the impact technology can have, specifically how Microsoft AI, Azure and collaboration with our partners like Apollo, can come together and transform the healthcare sector,” added Anil Bhansali, managing director of Microsoft India (R&D) Private Limited. “This heart risk score for Indian populace is a true example of how precision healthcare can accelerate prevention of cardio vascular disease and reduce disease burden.”