The Lancet has published the results of the TRICORDER study, a landmark real-world evaluation demonstrating that AI-powered stethoscopes significantly improve early detection of cardiac diseases in primary care. Conducted by the Health Impact Lab at Imperial College London, the study involved over 200 NHS general practices across the UK, serving approximately 1.5 million patients, and represents one of the largest randomized trials of AI in clinical primary care settings. The research evaluated the use of Eko Health’s AI-enabled digital stethoscopes by nearly 1,000 clinicians during routine patient visits. Over a 12-month period, the study found that patients who underwent AI-assisted stethoscope exams were 2.3 times more likely to be detected with heart failure, 3.5 times more likely to be identified with atrial fibrillation, and 1.9 times more likely to have valvular heart disease diagnosed compared to standard clinical practice. Dr. Nicholas S. Peters, Professor of Cardiology at Imperial College London and lead investigator, emphasized the significance of the findings: “The stethoscope has long symbolized the human connection in medicine. This innovation strengthens that bond by equipping clinicians with a powerful tool to detect heart disease earlier and more accurately at the point of care. The results confirm that AI can be safely and effectively integrated into everyday clinical workflows to improve outcomes at the population level.” Eko Health’s devices combine high-fidelity audio capture with integrated ECG technology, enabling rapid, AI-driven analysis of cardiac signals in seconds. The TRICORDER study’s real-world design—reflecting actual clinical workflows—provides rare, robust evidence of how AI performs outside controlled environments and its potential to identify at-risk patients before symptoms become severe. Dr. Steven Steinhubl, Chief Medical Officer at Eko Health, highlighted the importance of the publication: “The Lancet is recognized globally for its rigorous standards in clinical research. This validation underscores the real-world impact of our technology and the dedication of our clinical partners. It’s a powerful step toward making early disease detection more accessible and reliable for patients and providers alike.” The findings have already influenced healthcare delivery, leading to expanded deployment of Eko AI-enabled devices in primary care practices across South London, Sussex, and Wales. The study marks a major milestone in the scalable, clinically validated integration of AI into routine medical practice. Eko Health, headquartered in Emeryville, California, is a leader in AI-powered cardiac and pulmonary disease detection. Its FDA-cleared platform, used in over 650,000 devices worldwide, helps clinicians detect conditions earlier and manage treatment more effectively. The company continues to advance digital health tools that improve patient outcomes through innovation and evidence-based implementation. The Health Impact Lab at Imperial College London specializes in translating research into everyday healthcare practice through implementation science and clinical leadership. The lab’s work ensures that promising innovations like AI-assisted diagnostics reach patients where they are, when they need them.