Preventing the events of cardiovascular diseases with AI and home measurement data

The first study in the Collaborative Research Program will explore how AI can derive new personalized blood pressure improvement methods based on both day and nighttime blood pressure fluctuation, home electrocardiography recordings, and lifestyle data. The aim is to achieve further improvement of high blood pressure management. The study will investigate how AI can accurately predict cardiovascular diseases at an early stage.

Hypertension is the leading cause of death globally*1. As cardiovascular diseases often result in requiring long-term nursing care, it is important to prevent events not only for the aspect of life risk but also in the light of maintaining quality of life. In Japan, approximately 43 million*2 people are hypertensive, of which 29% have been treated and poorly controlled their blood pressure values*3. To prevent life threatening events, further solutions need to be developed for patients who are suffering from hypertension. Even if blood pressure values are properly controlled, there are still chances for patients to develop an event. Therefore, early detection and early intervention into the hypertension care should be highlighted so events can be predicted during daily healthcare management.

The collaboration between Kyoto University and OMRON Healthcare focuses on two research themes: The development of a novel blood pressure management method and blood pressure analysis for early detection of cardiovascular events using AI. Regarding the novel blood pressure management method, the joint team will use AI technology to develop personalized blood pressure management by analyzing biological data sets (body weight, body composition, volume of activity and Na/K ratio*4), and habits (smoking and drinking) daily. The team will develop a detection system of abnormal home measurement data of symptoms of cardiovascular events at an early stage. Since events occur unpredictably, early detection of the disease is one of the key challenges. By analyzing changes in various biological data set points measured at home using AI technology, it will be possible to detect signs of events faster and with higher probability so that treatment can be adjusted, realizing the prevention of cardiovascular events.

“OMRON’s Going for Zero mission is big and bold, and we cannot do it alone. This collaboration with Kyoto University to develop breakthrough new research involving Al and cardiovascular diseases is another example of how we are partnering with like-minded organizations to improve outcomes and make measurable strides to eliminate heart attacks and strokes,” said OMRON U.S. President and CEO Ranndy Kellogg.

“Collaboration is an essential if underused tool, opening brand new doors and ultimately making patients healthier. Our partnership with Kyoto University is an exciting example of this, combining OMRON Healthcare's heritage and wealth of cardiovascular experience with the University's expertise in applied AI research to health data. It is through collaborative initiatives like this that we can drive the healthcare industry forward," added Andre Van Gils, OMRON Healthcare’s Senior General Manager Global Sales & Marketing. "Our recent flagship programme, Hypertension Plus with the NHS in the UK and VitalSight in North America, demonstrates the viability and usability of remote patient monitoring in day-to-day practice. This research programme with Kyoto University could stratify programs such as these, enabling a new generation of highly personalised, preventive care."