AI Eye Scans & New Weight Loss Drugs Target Heart Disease

Clinics in the United Arab Emirates are introducing AI-enabled retina scans during routine eye exams to assess cardiovascular risk, alongside plans to expand access to new oral weight loss medications.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UAE, accounting for up to 40% of all fatalities. Clinicians report that nearly half of cardiac patients are under the age of 50, with heart conditions appearing earlier than in many Western countries. Dubai-based Metabolic Health is deploying an AI tool known as Reti-CVD, which analyses retinal images to estimate artery calcium levels and identify early signs of plaque buildup. The approach enables earlier risk detection without the need for more invasive imaging such as CT scans.
Doctors note that retinal imaging can reveal vascular changes linked to conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, with AI helping to flag early warning signs, particularly among patients with excess weight.
In parallel, clinics are preparing to offer oral versions of weight loss medications traditionally delivered by injection. Studies on semaglutide have shown a 20% reduction in serious cardiovascular events among overweight patients, supporting its use in managing heart disease risk.
A daily oral treatment, orforglipron, developed by Eli Lilly, has been approved in the UAE and is expected to be available under the brand name Foundayo from next month, with estimated monthly costs ranging between USD 150 and USD 200 for eligible patients. Alongside these developments, clinicians continue to emphasise the role of diet and lifestyle in cardiovascular health, with evidence linking poor dietary patterns to millions of premature deaths globally. Recommendations focus on increasing intake of fibre, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, while reducing consumption of processed foods.