Innovative Smartphone App Demonstrates Success in Detecting Heart Attacks and Strokes During Clinical Trials

A groundbreaking smartphone application designed to rapidly identify signs of heart attacks and strokes has shown promising results in a recent clinical trial. Developed collaboratively by experts from UVA Health, Harvard, Northeastern, and other premier institutions, the app—known as ECHAS (Emergency Call for Heart Attack and Stroke)—aims to empower individuals to recognize critical symptoms promptly and seek immediate medical care.

The initial study involved over 200 patients from emergency rooms who used the app after their stabilization. The participants, with an average age of 62, included both stroke and heart attack cases. Remarkably, the app successfully identified all patients who required hospitalization or emergency evaluation. It demonstrated a 'high sensitivity' for detecting emergencies and proved to be fast — detecting strokes in under two minutes and heart attacks in just a minute.

This tool asks users a series of medically based questions similar to those asked at hospital intake and incorporates a finger-tapping test designed to detect physical weakness indicative of a stroke or heart attack. Based on the responses and test results, the app calculates a risk score and provides guidance on whether to call emergency services, contact a hotline, or consult a healthcare provider.

Rapid diagnosis is crucial in these emergencies, as the 'golden hour'—the first 60 minutes after symptom onset—is when treatments are most effective. Delays often lead to severe outcomes, including death or lasting disabilities. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to uncertainty, which the ECHAS app aims to address by providing immediate, accessible assessment.

The researchers are optimistic about the app's potential to save lives and reduce delays in emergency response. While not yet publicly available, further trials are planned, including a partnership with UVA’s Center for Telehealth. The goal is for people worldwide to use this technology to improve emergency response times and outcomes.

The study and its findings were published in the journal JMIR Formative Research, highlighting the app’s accuracy and speed in real-world settings. Experts believe this innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we approach urgent neurological and cardiovascular care, especially in situations where every second counts.