Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
7h ago

Large UK Trial Finds AI Stethoscope Detects Three Cardiac Conditions in 15 Seconds

Real-world results highlight a trade-off: earlier detection versus false-positive burden, with poor sustained use in clinics.

Stethoscope in use.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Across 96 GP surgeries using the device versus 109 comparators, 12,725 symptomatic patients received a 15‑second chest exam combining heart sounds with a rapid ECG analyzed by cloud AI.
  • Patients examined with the tool were 2.33 times more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure within 12 months, 3.45 times for atrial fibrillation, and 1.92 times for valve disease.
  • Two-thirds of AI-flagged suspected heart failure cases were not confirmed on BNP blood tests or imaging, indicating a substantial false-positive rate that can drive extra follow-up.
  • Usage waned in practice, with 70% of GP sites given devices stopping or using them infrequently after a year, underscoring workflow and integration barriers.
  • Findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress and published in BMJ Open; the Eko Health device underpins planned rollouts in Wales, South London and Sussex.