Prediction of heart failure decompensations using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques

Abstract

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a major concern in public health. We have used artificial intelligence to analyze information and improve patient outcomes. Method: An Observational, retrospective, and non-randomized study with patients enrolled in our telemonitoring program (May 2014-February 2018. We collected patients' clinical data, telemonitoring transmissions, and HF decompensations. Results: A total of 240 patients were enrolled with a follow-up of 13.44 ± 8.65 months. During this interval, 527 HF decompensations in 148 different patients were detected. Significant weight increases, desaturation below 90% and perception of clinical worsening are good predictors of HF decompensation. We have built a predictive model applying machine learning (ML) techniques, obtaining the best results with the combination of "Weight + Ankle + well-being plus alerts of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate." Conclusions: ML techniques are useful tools for the analysis of HF datasets and the creation of predictive models that improve the accuracy of the actual remote patient telemonitoring programs.