Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Models for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction: Network Meta-Analysis

Yahia Baashar1, Gamal Alkawsi2, Hitham Alhussian3

  • 1College of Graduate Studies, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Selangor, Malaysia.

Insights

This study compared artificial intelligence (AI) models for predicting cardiovascular diseases. Deep learning (DL) models show promise for heart failure prediction, while machine learning (ML) models excel in predicting diabetes, stroke, and hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Informatics
  • Artificial Intelligence

Background:

  • Heart failure and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading global causes of mortality.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), is increasingly vital in advancing CVD therapies.
  • Existing research highlights the potential of AI in managing complex cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing ML and DL models for predicting heart failure, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes.
  • To identify the most effective AI algorithms for specific cardiovascular conditions.
  • To evaluate the current literature on AI in CVD prediction.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across five major electronic databases (ScienceDirect, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore).
  • Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 guidelines, adhering to PRISMA statement standards.
  • Random-effects network meta-analysis, subgroup testing, and league tables were employed to analyze data from 17 studies involving 285,213 patients.

Main Results:

  • Deep learning (DL) algorithms demonstrated strong performance in heart failure prediction (AUC: 0.843).
  • Machine learning (ML) algorithms showed specific strengths: Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) for heart failure (91.10% accuracy), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for diabetes (OR: 0.0905), Support Vector Machine (SVM) for stroke (OR: 25.0801), and Random Forest (RF) for hypertension (OR: 10.8527).

Conclusions:

  • DL models offer significant potential for advancing heart failure prediction and understanding.
  • There is a notable gap in research concerning DL applications in the broader field of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
  • Further research, including more meta-analyses and studies with larger patient cohorts, is recommended to validate these findings and explore DL's full potential in CVD management.