AI-Powered Stethoscope Spots Heart Conditions Instantly, Revolutionizing Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) equipped stethoscopes could potentially revolutionize cardiac diagnosis by identifying three distinct heart conditions swiftly, according to a recent study. The traditional stethoscope, first introduced in 1816, enables physicians to listen to internal bodily sounds of patients.
A British research team utilized a contemporary variant of the stethoscope and reported that it demonstrated an impressive ability to detect heart failure, heart valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly. This groundbreaking tool could significantly expedite treatment for patients, potentially serving as a transformative advancement in the medical field.
The device replaces the conventional chest piece with a compact device resembling a playing card. It incorporates a microphone to analyze minute variations in heartbeat and blood flow that are imperceptible to the human ear. The tool captures an ECG (electrocardiogram), recording electrical signals from the heart, and transmits the data to the cloud for analysis by AI algorithms trained on data from tens of thousands of patients.
The research was conducted by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, involving over 12,000 patients from 96 surgeries examined with AI stethoscopes manufactured by US firm Eko Health. These findings were then compared to those from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not utilized.
The study revealed that patients with heart failure were 2.33 times more likely to be diagnosed within a year when examined using AI stethoscopes. Abnormal heartbeat patterns, which may exhibit no symptoms but can increase stroke risk, were 3.5 times more detectable with the AI stethoscopes. Heart valve disease was also found to be 1.9 times more detectable.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and consultant cardiologist, stated, “This innovative adaptation of the centuries-old stethoscope embodies the potential for technology to greatly enhance diagnostic capabilities in the 21st century.”
She further emphasized that early diagnosis is crucial because these conditions often remain undetected until an emergency hospital visit, which can significantly impact treatment and prognosis. “With timely detection, patients can receive the necessary treatment to improve their quality of life,” Dr Babu-Narayan added.
The study findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in Madrid, the world’s largest heart conference. Plans are underway to introduce these advanced stethoscopes to GP practices in south London, Sussex, and Wales.
