A cardiologist’s guide to machine learning in cardiovascular disease prognosis prediction

A modern-day physician is faced with a vast abundance of clinical and scientific data, by far surpassing the capabilities of the human mind. Until the last decade, advances in data availability have not been accompanied by analytical approaches. The advent of machine learning (ML) algorithms might improve the interpretation of complex data and should help to translate the near endless amount of data into clinical decision-making. ML has become part of our everyday practice and might even further change modern-day medicine. It is important to acknowledge the role of ML in prognosis prediction of cardiovascular disease. The present review aims on preparing the modern physician and researcher for the challenges that ML might bring, explaining basic concepts but also caveats that might arise when using these methods. Further, a brief overview of current established classical and emerging concepts of ML disease prediction in the fields of omics, imaging and basic science is presented.