Imperial researchers develop AI stethoscope that spots fatal heart conditions in seconds

Researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust have developed an AI-powered stethoscope that can diagnose heart conditions. The new device can detect serious heart conditions in just 15 seconds, including heart failure, heart valve disease, and irregular heart rhythms.

The device, manufactured by US firm Eko Health, uses a microphone to record heartbeats and blood flow, while simultaneously taking an ECG (electrocardiogram). The data is then analysed by trained AI software, allowing doctors to detect abnormalities beyond the range of the human ear or the traditional stethoscope.

In a trial involving 12,000 patients from 96 GP practices throughout the UK, the AI stethoscope proved accurate in diagnosing illnesses that usually require lengthy periods of examination.

Results revealed that those examined were twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, and 3.5 times as likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – a condition linked to strokes. Studies further revealed that patients were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart valve disease.

via Unsplash

The AI stethoscope was trialled on those with more subtle signs of heart failure, including breathlessness, fatigue, or swelling of the lower legs and feet. Retailing at £329 on the Eko Health website, the stethoscope can also be purchased for home use.

Professor Mike Lewis, Scientific Director for Innovation at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), described the AI-stethoscope as a “real game-changer for patients.”

He added: “The AI stethoscope gives local clinicians the ability to spot problems earlier, diagnose patients in the community, and address some of the big killers in society.”

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Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Clinical Director at the British Heart Foundation, further praised this innovation: “Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.”

Imperial College London’s research is a significant breakthrough in rapid diagnosis technology. Studies by the British Heart Foundation reveal that over 7.6 million people live with a cardiovascular disease, causing 170,000 related deaths each year.

Often called a “silent killer”, heart conditions can go unnoticed for years, particularly in young people. The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young reports that 12 young people die each week from undiagnosed heart problems, with athletes at particular risk. Experts hope this new technology will allow these conditions to be identified far earlier.

The NHS has also welcomed these findings. Heart failure costs the NHS more than £2 billion per year, equating to 4 per cent of the annual budget. By diagnosing earlier, the NHS estimates this AI tool could save up to £2,400 per patient.

Researchers now plan to roll out the stethoscope across GP practices in Wales, South London and Sussex – a move that will transform how heart conditions are diagnosed throughout the country.

Featured image via Google Maps/Pexels