Artificial Intelligence in Atrial Fibrillation: From Early Detection to Precision Therapy
Paschalis Karakasis, Panagiotis Theofilis, Μarios Sagris, Konstantinos Pamporis, Panagiotis Stachteas, G. Sidiropoulos, Panayotis K. Vlachakis, Dimitrios Patoulias, Antonios P. Antoniadis, Nikolaos Fragakis
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Despite advances in AF management, challenges persist in early detection, risk stratification, and treatment optimization, necessitating innovative solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in AF care, leveraging machine learning and deep learning algorithms to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve risk prediction, and guide therapeutic interventions. AI-powered electrocardiographic screening has demonstrated the ability to detect asymptomatic AF, while wearable photoplethysmography-based technologies have expanded real-time rhythm monitoring beyond clinical settings. AI-driven predictive models integrate electronic health records and multimodal physiological data to refine AF risk stratification, stroke prediction, and anticoagulation decision making. In the realm of treatment, AI is revolutionizing individualized therapy and optimizing anticoagulation management and catheter ablation strategies. Notably, AI-enhanced electroanatomic mapping and real-time procedural guidance hold promise for improving ablation success rates and reducing AF recurrence. Despite these advancements, the clinical integration of AI in AF management remains an evolving field. Future research should focus on large-scale validation, model interpretability, and regulatory frameworks to ensure widespread adoption. This review explores the current and emerging applications of AI in AF, highlighting its potential to enhance precision medicine and patient outcomes.