Deep Learning Algorithms for Estimation of Demographic and Anthropometric Features from Electrocardiograms

A systematic review on the impact of artificial intelligence on electrocardiograms in cardiology

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized numerous industries, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and insight generation. In cardiology, particularly through electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis, AI has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the time needed for diagnosis. This systematic review explores the integration of AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in ECG analysis, focusing on their impact on predictive diagnostics and treatment support in cardiology.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 framework, using four high-impact databases to identify studies from 2014 to -2024. The inclusion criteria included English-language journal articles and research papers that focused on AI applications in cardiology, specifically ECG analysis. Records were screened, duplicates were removed, and final selections were made on the basis of their relevance to AI-ECG integration for cardiac health.

RESULTS

The review included 46 studies that met the inclusion criteria, covering diverse AI models such as CNNs, RNNs, and hybrid models. These models were applied to ECG data to detect and predict heart conditions such as arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. These findings indicate that AI-driven ECG analysis improves diagnostic accuracy and provides significant support for early diagnosis and personalized treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

AI technologies, especially ML and DL, enhance ECG-based cardiology diagnostics by increasing accuracy, reducing diagnosis time, and supporting timely interventions and personalized care. Continued research in this area is essential to refine algorithms and integrate AI tools into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes in cardiology.

Predicting extremely low body weight from 12-lead electrocardiograms using a deep neural network

Previous studies have successfully predicted overweight status by applying deep learning to 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG); however, models for predicting underweight status remain unexplored. Here, we assessed the feasibility of deep learning in predicting extremely low body weight using 12-lead ECGs, thereby investigating the prediction rationale for highlighting the parts of ECGs that are associated with extremely low body weight. Using records of inpatients predominantly with anorexia nervosa, we trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) that inputs a 12-lead ECG and outputs a binary prediction of whether body mass index is ≤ 12.6 kg/m2. This threshold was identified in a previous study as the optimal cutoff point for predicting the onset of refeeding syndrome. The CNN model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.807 (95% confidence interval, 0.745-0.869) on the test dataset. The gradient-weighted class activation map showed that the model focused on QRS waves. A negative correlation with the prediction scores was observed for QRS voltage. These results suggest that deep learning is feasible for predicting extremely low body weight using 12-lead ECGs, and several ECG features, such as lower QRS voltage, may be associated with extremely low body weight in patients with anorexia nervosa.