Hassan Khan
A simple stethoscope, first invented in 1816, has always been a doctor’s trusted tool. Now, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s stepping into the future of healthcare.
Researchers from Imperial College London have tested an AI Powered Stethoscope that can detect three serious heart conditions heart failure, heart valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms within seconds.
Unlike the traditional chest piece, this modern version uses a microphone and built-in ECG to capture sounds and electrical signals from the heart.
AI developed on hundreds of thousand of records from patients subsequently analyzes the information stored on the internet.
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In a study involving more than 12,000 patients across 96 GP surgeries in London, results showed that people examined with AI stethoscopes were up to 3.5 times more likely to have hidden conditions detected compared to those checked with standard methods.
Dr. Sonya Babu Narayan from the British Heart Foundation called it “an elegant upgrade of the humble stethoscope for the 21st century”, stressing that earlier diagnosis could save lives by ensuring timely treatment.
The breakthrough findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid, and there are already plans to roll out the AI stethoscopes to GP practices in south London, Sussex, and Wales.
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This could be a real game-changer for the NHS, giving doctors a powerful tool to spot silent heart conditions early and help patients live healthier, longer lives.
Summary:
AI Powered stethoscopes tested by Imperial College London can detect heart failure, valve disease, and abnormal rhythms within seconds. In trials involving over 12,000 patients, they proved up to 3.5 times more effective than traditional methods, paving the way for earlier diagnoses and better treatment across the UK.
