How do AI-enabled stethoscopes help NHS doctors diagnose heart issues?

AI-enabled stethoscopes can diagnose heart failure, heart valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms in just 15 seconds by analyzing tiny differences in heartbeat and blood flow that are undetectable to the human ear, as well as taking a rapid ECG.

What were the results of the trial using AI stethoscopes in the UK?

The trial found that patients examined with the AI stethoscopes were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure within the next 12 months, nearly 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of heart valve disease.

How could AI stethoscopes change heart disease diagnosis and treatment in the UK?

Experts say the AI stethoscopes could provide GPs with a "quick, simple tool to spot problems earlier" so that patients can get the treatment they need sooner, rather than only being diagnosed when they arrive at the hospital seriously ill.

Home / Health / AI Stethoscopes Help NHS Doctors Catch Heart Issues Sooner

AI Stethoscopes Help NHS Doctors Catch Heart Issues Sooner

30 Aug

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Summary

AI-powered stethoscopes diagnose heart failure, valve disease, and arrhythmias in 15 seconds
Patients tested with AI stethoscopes were over twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure
New technology upgrades the 200-year-old stethoscope for the 21st century

AI Stethoscopes Help NHS Doctors Catch Heart Issues Sooner

In a significant medical advancement, NHS doctors are now using AI-powered stethoscopes to catch deadly heart conditions earlier. The smart devices, which are the size of a deck of cards, can diagnose heart failure, valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms in just 15 seconds through a combination of ECG readings and advanced sound analysis.

The trial, conducted by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, involved over 12,000 patients at 96 GP surgeries across the UK. Patients who were examined with the AI stethoscopes were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure within the next 12 months compared to those tested with traditional stethoscopes. The technology also proved nearly 3.5 times more effective at detecting atrial fibrillation, a dangerous irregular heartbeat, and twice as good at identifying heart valve issues.

Experts say this "quick, simple tool" could revolutionize how heart conditions are detected and treated, as many patients only receive a diagnosis when they arrive at the hospital seriously ill. "This trial shows that AI-enabled stethoscopes could change that - giving GPs a quick, simple tool to spot problems earlier so patients can get the right treatment sooner," said Dr. Mihir Kelshiker of Imperial College London.

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