AI-ECG Technology Enhances Early Heart Disease Detection in Women

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming cardiovascular screening, particularly for women of reproductive age. Researchers at Mayo Clinic, led by Dr. Anja Kinaszczuk and Dr. Demilade Adedinsewo, have tested AI tools that analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and digital stethoscope data to identify previously undetected heart problems. This innovative approach aims to improve early diagnosis of heart muscle weakness, which is crucial since heart-related complications account for preventable maternal deaths annually.

The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, involved two groups of women aged 18 to 49. The first group comprised 100 women scheduled for echocardiograms, the gold standard for assessing heart function, alongside standard clinical ECG and digital stethoscope recordings. The second group included 100 women attending routine primary care visits, representing typical screening scenarios.

Findings demonstrated impressive diagnostic accuracy, with the AI-ECG achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94. Even more precise was the AI digital stethoscope, Eko DUO, with an AUC of 0.98. In the secondary group, the AI screenings detected potential heart problems with a prevalence of 1% for AI-ECG and 3.2% for the AI stethoscope, illustrating the potential of these tools for widespread screening.

Dr. Adedinsewo emphasized the significance of this technology: "Considering that nearly half of pregnancies are unplanned, and 1-2% of women might have undiagnosed heart conditions, these AI tools could serve as vital screening instruments before pregnancy. Early detection enables timely intervention, risk management, and better health outcomes, addressing a critical gap in maternal care."

This research builds on prior studies exploring AI in obstetric cardiology, including a pilot study on pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy and a clinical trial in Nigeria. The integration of AI into cardiovascular screening promises to modernize detection methods, allowing for earlier treatment and improved maternal health. Mayo Clinic has licensed this technology to EKO Health and Anumana, with revenue supporting ongoing patient care, education, and research efforts.