Medcare Hospital Al Safa has unveiled Cardio Explorer, a groundbreaking AI-powered diagnostic test capable of predicting the onset of coronary artery disease with over 95% accuracy—before symptoms even appear. The innovation marks a major step forward in preventive cardiology and comes amid rising cases of heart disease among younger populations in the UAE.
Clinical studies show that in the MENA and South Asia regions, the average age for a first-time heart attack has dropped by 5–10 years. In the UAE, residents are developing coronary artery disease up to 15 years earlier than the global average. Alarmingly, almost 50% of Medcare patients experiencing heart attacks are under 50.
“The launch of Cardio Explorer is a game-changer for early intervention,” said Dr. Brajesh Mittal, Head of the Cardiology Department at Medcare Hospital Al Safa. “It allows us to detect and treat coronary artery disease before the first warning signs appear, making early lifestyle and medical interventions far more effective.”
The CE-certified technology, developed in Europe, uses an AI algorithm to analyse blood biomarkers, clinical parameters such as age and blood pressure, and individual risk factors. After a simple blood draw, results are delivered within 48–72 hours, reviewed by a cardiologist, and translated into a personalised heart risk score. The diagnostic accuracy is comparable to CT angiography or cardiac MRI, without radiation exposure or invasive procedures.
Dr. Ghassan Nakad, Specialist Interventional Cardiology at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, added: “What sets this test apart is its simplicity, safety, and proven value. For patients with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of cardiovascular disease, it provides either reassurance or an early opportunity for intervention.”
Data from Medcare hospitals highlights the urgent need for such tools. In 2024, of 11,631 cardiology outpatients across the network, nearly 85% were under 45. Among them, 30% required detailed testing and 3% were diagnosed with serious heart conditions needing advanced treatment.
“Sadly, young people are catching up with older age groups when it comes to cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Nakad noted. “Globally, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia report younger onset of heart disease, but in the UAE, we are witnessing cases up to 15 years earlier than expected.”
Cardio Explorer is particularly valuable for patients with sedentary lifestyles, smoking habits, or early symptoms like unexplained fatigue, mild chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Dr. Yogeswari Vellore Satyanarayanan, Specialist Cardiology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah, highlighted the wider impact: “AI has the potential to democratise heart care. By combining biological data with advanced algorithms, we can redefine how we detect, classify, and ultimately prevent heart diseases.”
Beyond diagnostics, Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres is expanding its interventional cardiology services with a new state-of-the-art Cath Lab in Sharjah, along with specialised offerings such as a Smart Heart Failure clinic, pulmonary hypertension services, and cardio-obstetrics care.
