Machine learning applications are transforming atrial fibrillation management through ECG screening and digital phenotyping, despite challenges with black box adoption and data quality.
Machine learning offers transformative potential for atrial fibrillation screening, prediction, and management, though challenges regarding data quality, algorithmic transparency, and health disparities remain.
Machine learning applications in cardiology have rapidly evolved in the past decade. With the availability of machine learning tools coupled with vast data sources, the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common chronic disease with significant associated morbidity and socioeconomic impact, is undergoing a knowledge and practice transformation in the increasingly complex healthcare environment. Among other advances, deep-learning machine learning methods, including convolutional neural networks, have enabled the development of AF screening pathways using the ubiquitous 12-lead ECG to detect asymptomatic paroxysmal AF in at-risk populations (such as those with cryptogenic stroke), the refinement of AF and stroke prediction schemes through comprehensive digital phenotyping using structured and unstructured data abstraction from the electronic health record or wearable monitoring technologies, and the optimization of treatment strategies, ranging from stroke prophylaxis to monitoring of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy. Although the clinical and population-wide impact of these tools continues to be elucidated, such transformative progress does not come without challenges, such as the concerns about adopting black box technologies, assessing input data quality for training such models, and the risk of perpetuating rather than alleviating health disparities. This review critically appraises the advances of machine learning related to the care of AF thus far, their potential future directions, and its potential limitations and challenges.
Siontis et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Atrial Fibrillation. Machine learning was evaluated. Machine learning applications are transforming atrial fibrillation management through ECG screening and digital phenotyping, despite challenges with black box adoption and data quality.