Doctors at King’s College London have unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered stethoscope capable of detecting serious heart conditions within 15 seconds, offering the potential for faster diagnosis and earlier treatment.
The device, which resembles a playing card in size, combines traditional auscultation with advanced digital technology. Placed on the patient’s chest, it records an electrocardiogram while a built-in microphone captures heart sounds. The information is instantly uploaded to the cloud, with results delivered to a doctor’s smartphone in seconds.
Researchers say the stethoscope can identify three major conditions — heart failure, heart valve defects, and arrhythmias — all of which can be life-threatening if not treated early.
“Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications and saving lives,” explained the study’s authors, who presented their findings at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in Madrid.
Clinical trials
The technology was tested in one of the largest trials of its kind, involving around 12,000 patients and 200 internists across Britain. Most participants were individuals experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue, which often signal underlying cardiac issues.
According to the trial results, the AI stethoscope demonstrated a high level of accuracy in detecting heart problems, giving doctors a valuable tool for faster clinical decision-making.
Accuracy and limitations
Despite its promise, experts cautioned that the device is not without limitations. False positives remain a possibility, meaning some healthy patients could be flagged for conditions they do not have.
For that reason, the research team recommends restricting use to patients who already present symptoms of possible cardiac disease. They warn against indiscriminate use among healthy individuals, which could create unnecessary anxiety and place additional burden on healthcare systems.
Potential impact
If adopted more widely, the AI stethoscope could transform routine examinations by enabling frontline doctors to spot conditions earlier and refer patients to specialists more quickly.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Tools that speed up detection are seen as key to improving survival rates and reducing healthcare costs.
While further testing and regulatory approvals are needed before large-scale rollout, the researchers believe this device could soon become a common feature in clinics and hospitals, bridging the gap between traditional stethoscopes and high-tech diagnostic equipment.
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