A smart T-shirt equipped with AI technology could soon revolutionize the early detection of inherited heart conditions, offering a more practical and continuous alternative to traditional monitoring methods. Developed by researchers at Imperial College London, the wearable device features up to 50 sensors woven into the fabric to capture electrical signals from the heart, mimicking the function of an electrocardiogram (ECG). Unlike current portable ECG monitors that require sticky electrodes and are limited to 24 to 48 hours of use, the T-shirt can be worn for up to a week or even longer, increasing the chances of detecting rare and intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities. The project is being led by Professor Zachary Whinnett, a cardiologist at Imperial College London, and is supported by real-world input from Carly Benge, a 38-year-old teacher from Watford who lives with Brugada syndrome—a potentially life-threatening inherited heart condition. Carly was diagnosed only after her sister Jodie was found to have the same condition in 2018. Jodie, who had experienced dizziness and palpitations during pregnancy, had been discharged from hospital before receiving her ECG results, assuming she was not seriously ill. Her diagnosis came months after giving birth, leading to urgent surgery to implant a defibrillator. Carly, who had no symptoms, was later confirmed to have the condition, and her two children—Imogen, 7, and Jake, 10—are now at risk of inheriting it. Currently, about 340,000 people in the UK have an inherited heart condition that could lead to sudden cardiac death. These conditions often go undetected because standard heart tests appear normal during routine check-ups. The smart T-shirt aims to solve this by enabling long-term, real-world monitoring during everyday activities like sleeping, working, and exercising. The research team will train an AI algorithm using data from over 1,000 individuals—some with inherited heart conditions, others without—to help the system identify subtle, abnormal ECG patterns. The T-shirt will be trialed with 200 patients and volunteers at Hammersmith Hospital’s Peart-Rose Research Unit, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Participants will wear the shirt continuously for up to three months to assess its accuracy and usability. Designed with comfort in mind, the T-shirt is made from sportswear-style fabric and can be washed and reused. Carly, who is deeply motivated by the potential to protect her children, said the device is far more practical than current options. “You can wear this T-shirt for weeks and even put it through the wash, and then put it back on again,” she said. “It’s a lot more practical than a portable ECG.” Researchers hope the technology will be available for clinical use in about five years. While initially focused on adults, the team aims to adapt it for children in the future. It may also help detect other heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation. Professor Whinnett emphasized the life-saving potential: “Too many people die from inherited heart conditions that could be treated if caught early. Our AI-powered T-shirt could offer a comfortable, long-term solution that improves diagnosis and saves lives.” James Leiper, director of research at the British Heart Foundation, praised the innovation: “Too many people have been snatched away from their loved ones in an instant by inherited heart conditions. This research could help unmask these hidden risks and give patients a better chance at survival.”