AI-Powered ECG and Digital Stethoscope Show Promise in Early Heart Problem Detection for Women of Childbearing Age

Every year, several mothers die from heart problems post-pregnancy, many of which could be prevented through early detection and intervention. Identifying heart issues before pregnancy can significantly reduce these risks and improve maternal health outcomes. To address this, Mayo Clinic researchers led by Anja Kinaszczuk, D.O., and Demilade Adedinsewo, M.D., developed and tested artificial intelligence (AI) tools using electrocardiograms (ECGs) and digital stethoscopes to screen for unknown heart problems in women of childbearing age during primary care visits. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, focused on detecting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 50%, which indicates heart muscle weakness. The AI-ECG and the AI-integrated digital stethoscope, called Eko DUO, were evaluated on two cohorts of women aged 18 to 49. The AI-ECG achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94, while the Eko DUO digital stethoscope attained an AUC of 0.98, both demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. In the second cohort, the prevalence of positive AI screening results was 1% for the AI-ECG and 3.2% for the AI-stethoscope. Dr. Adedinsewo, a cardiologist and senior author of the study, notes that nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, and 1% to 2% of women may have undiagnosed heart problems. The research suggests that these AI tools could be effectively used to screen women before pregnancy, enhancing pregnancy planning, risk assessment, and early intervention, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. This approach fills a significant gap in current maternal healthcare, where heart issues often go undetected until complications arise. The findings build on previous studies that explored the use of AI digital tools to detect pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy. One such study was a pilot prospective study conducted with obstetric patients in the U.S., while another was a pragmatic randomized clinical trial involving women in Nigeria who were either pregnant or had recently given birth. Both studies highlighted the robust potential of AI in improving cardiovascular screening and management. Further research is ongoing to evaluate the application of these technologies in broader populations, beyond the specific context of women of childbearing age. The ultimate goal is to integrate these AI tools into routine primary care, making early detection more accessible and reducing the incidence of undiagnosed heart conditions that can complicate pregnancies. Mayo Clinic has licensed the underlying technology to EKO Health and Anumana. EKO Health's digital stethoscope with embedded ECG electrodes and Anumana's 12-lead ECG are being commercialized. Mayo Clinic and some study authors have financial interests in this technology. Any revenue generated from these licenses will be reinvested into the clinic’s not-for-profit mission, supporting patient care, education, and research. Industry insiders applaud the innovative use of AI to enhance maternal healthcare. They highlight the potential for widespread adoption and integration into various healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of continued research and rigorous validation studies to ensure the tools' reliability and effectiveness. The development is also seen as a step forward in personalized medicine, offering non-invasive and cost-effective solutions for early heart problem detection. EKO Health, known for its advanced medical devices, and Anumana, a digital health company specializing in AI-driven diagnostics, are poised to make significant contributions to this field. EKO Health's digital stethoscope combines traditional auscultation with modern AI, providing comprehensive and accessible cardiac assessments. Anumana’s AI-ECG technology offers another layer of precision in diagnosing heart issues, aligning with their mission to leverage AI for improved patient outcomes. In conclusion, the AI-ECG and digital stethoscope represent a promising breakthrough in the early detection of heart issues in women, particularly those planning to become pregnant. The high accuracy of these tools underscores their potential to revolutionize maternal care and prevent maternal deaths from undiagnosed heart conditions. As the technology advances and more data becomes available, the integration of AI into routine healthcare could lead to significant improvements in patient health and safety.