A doctor has successfully created an AI-powered stethoscope that can identify three cardiac conditions in just 15 seconds.

The classic stethoscope, which was invented in 1816, has been crucial for listening to internal body sounds and has remained a vital tool in medical practice for over two hundred years.

The research team is now working on a sophisticated AI-enhanced version that can diagnose heart failure, heart valve issues, and irregular heartbeats.

Developed by researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, this innovative stethoscope can detect minute variations in heartbeat and blood flow that are beyond the capacity of human ears, while simultaneously performing quick ECG readings.

The details of this groundbreaking advancement that could enhance the early diagnosis of these conditions were shared with thousands of doctors during the European Heart Association Annual Meeting in Madrid, the largest cardiac conference globally.

Timely diagnosis is crucial for heart failure, heart valve disease, and irregular heart rhythms, enabling patients to access life-saving medications before their condition worsens.

A study involving around 12,000 patients from a UK GP practice tested individuals exhibiting symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Those who were evaluated using the new technology were twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of heart failure compared to similar patients who were not subjected to this method.

Patients were three times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation—an irregular heart rhythm that heightens the stroke risk—and nearly twice as likely to be identified with heart valve disease, characterized by malfunctioning heart valves.

Dr. Patrick Bectiger from Imperial College London remarked:

“It’s amazing to utilize a smart stethoscope for a quick 15-second assessment, allowing AI to promptly provide results indicating whether a patient has heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or heart valve disease.”

Manufactured by Eko Health in California, the device resembles a credit card in size. It is placed on a patient’s chest to record electrical signals from the heart while a microphone picks up the sound of blood circulation.

This data is transmitted to the cloud—an encrypted online storage space—where AI algorithms analyze the information to uncover subtle heart issues that may be overlooked by humans.

Results indicating whether a patient should be flagged for any of the three conditions will be sent back to a smartphone.

While breakthroughs like these can carry risks of misdiagnosis, researchers stress that AI stethoscopes should only be employed for patients presenting heart-related symptoms, not for routine screening in healthy individuals.

However, accelerating the diagnosis process can ultimately save lives and reduce healthcare costs.

Dr. Mikhilkelsiker, also from Imperial College, stated:

“This test demonstrates that AI-enabled stethoscopes can make a significant difference, providing GPs with a rapid and straightforward method to detect issues early, ensuring patients receive timely treatment.”

“Early diagnosis allows individuals to access the necessary treatment to enhance their longevity,” emphasized Dr. Sonya Babu Narayan, clinical director of the British Heart Foundation, which sponsored the research alongside the National Institute of Health and Therapy (NIHR).

Professor Mike Lewis, Director of the Innovation Science Department at NIHR, remarked, “This tool represents a transformative advance for patients, delivering innovation right into the hands of GPs. AI stethoscopes empower local practitioners to identify problems sooner, diagnose patients within their communities, and address leading health threats.”