Medcare Hospital Al Safa has launched a new AI-powered blood test designed to detect coronary artery disease early, offering a non-invasive option to address the rising number of younger patients in the region experiencing heart-related issues.
Rising early risk
Medical experts across the UAE and broader MENA region are increasingly reporting a shift in heart disease trends. Recent data shows that residents in this region are experiencing their first heart attacks five to ten years earlier than the global average. In the UAE specifically, heart disease is now being diagnosed up to 15 years earlier compared to other countries.
Medcare’s new test, called Cardio Explorer, uses artificial intelligence to predict the likelihood of coronary artery disease before symptoms appear. According to the hospital, it offers 95% diagnostic accuracy—similar to CT angiography or cardiac MRI — but without the need for radiation, exercise, or invasive procedures.
How the test works
Developed using a CE-certified AI algorithm from Europe, the test analyses blood biomarkers, clinical indicators such as age and blood pressure, and personal risk factors. After a simple blood draw, results are available within 48 to 72 hours and are reviewed by a cardiologist. The output is a personalised heart risk score.
“The launch of Cardio Explorer is a game-changer for early intervention,” said Dr. Brajesh Mittal, Head of Cardiology at Medcare Hospital Al Safa. “It allows us to intervene much earlier, often before the first warning signs.”
The test is especially suited for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or those who cannot undergo traditional stress tests due to other health conditions.
Younger patients impacted
According to Medcare, nearly half of its cardiac patients are now under the age of 50. Of the 11,631 patients who visited Medcare’s cardiology outpatient clinics last year, over 9,800 were 45 or younger. Cardiac issues were suspected in 30% of these cases, and 3% were confirmed to have serious heart conditions needing further treatment.
“It is quite shocking that this is close to older patients, where 46% had detailed testing and about 5% needed treatment,” said Dr. Ghassan Nakad, Specialist Interventional Cardiologist at Medcare Hospital Al Safa. “Young people are catching up to older people when it comes to age-related diseases.”
Dr. Nakad added: “What sets this test apart is its simplicity, safety, and proven clinical value. It avoids invasive procedures and radiation exposure, yet delivers accurate, actionable insights.”
Dr. Yogeswari Vellore Satyanarayanan, Specialist Cardiologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah, said, “AI holds the promise of democratising heart care. AI’s ability to combine complex biological data promises to redefine how we classify heart diseases, discover new biomarkers, and design safer therapies.”
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