RecruitingInterventional

Using handheld ultrasound in community centres to help diagnose heart failure earlier

Heart failure happens when the heart does not pump blood around the body as well as it should. It can cause tiredness, breathlessness, and swollen ankles. Right now, getting an official diagnosis often means waiting for a specialist heart scan at a hospital. These delays can leave people waiting weeks or months to start treatment. This study looks at whether small, handheld ultrasound scanners can be used in local Community Diagnostic Centres instead. These portable devices use artificial intelligence (AI) to help staff take and read clear images of the heart. Researchers want to see if trained non-specialist staff can safely use these scanners to spot heart failure sooner, without compromising on accuracy. Participants will still receive their usual NHS hospital tests and care, and taking part will help doctors learn if local scanning can improve heart services across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

300

Start

30 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2028

Heart failure

What is this study about?

Heart failure is a common, long-term condition where the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood efficiently. People with heart failure often feel short of breath, unusually tired, or notice swelling in their legs and ankles. A quick diagnosis is vital because starting the right medications early can stop symptoms from getting worse and keep people out of hospital. However, standard heart scans (echocardiograms) usually happen in busy hospitals, where waiting lists can be long.

To tackle this problem, researchers are testing whether new handheld scanning technology can bring testing closer to where people live. These small ultrasound devices connect to smart software powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The AI guides healthcare staff to capture high-quality pictures of the heart and helps analyse what the images show. This means trained nurses or healthcare practitioners who are not heart specialists might be able to carry out reliable heart checks in community settings.

In this study, people referred by their GP for suspected heart failure will have a handheld scan at an NHS Community Diagnostic Centre. They will also continue on their normal NHS care pathway, which includes standard hospital assessments. By comparing the results of both approaches, the researchers hope to prove that local, AI-supported scans are just as dependable as hospital scans, while getting patients the answers and treatment they need much faster.

Key takeaways

Tests whether handheld heart scans in local community centres can speed up heart failure diagnoses.
Uses artificial intelligence to help trained healthcare staff capture and assess heart images.
Completely safe, non-invasive, and does not use radiation or experimental drugs.
You will still receive all standard NHS care, tests, and hospital appointments.
Taking part is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been referred by their GP or primary care team for specialist heart checks. To be considered, you should have symptoms that could point to heart failure—such as breathlessness, fatigue, or swollen ankles—along with a raised result on a routine heart-related blood test known as NT-proBNP.

You cannot take part if you have already been diagnosed with heart failure in the past or if previous medical tests have shown that your heart's pumping strength (left ventricular ejection fraction) is under 50%. You must also be able to understand what the trial involves and freely give your consent to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
My GP has referred me for specialist tests because of suspected heart failure.
I have had a blood test (NT-proBNP) showing raised levels.
I have not been diagnosed with heart failure in the past.
I have not been told in previous tests that my heart's pumping strength is below 50%.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be invited to a local NHS Community Diagnostic Centre. During your visit, a trained healthcare professional will perform a painless ultrasound scan of your chest using a handheld scanner with AI support. You will not receive any experimental drugs or injections, and you will not have to stop any of your usual medicines. After the community scan, you will continue with your standard NHS appointments and hospital heart scans exactly as planned. Researchers will look at your medical records to see how quickly you received your final diagnosis and treatment, and they may invite you to complete a brief questionnaire about your experience. The study runs between July 2026 and June 2028, and your active involvement will mainly consist of your scanning visit and any optional feedback forms.

Potential risks and benefits

You may not experience any direct medical benefit from joining the study, but having the extra community scan might help your healthcare team spot heart problems earlier. Your involvement will also help improve NHS services for other people in the future. The risks of taking part are very low. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves, not radiation, and simply involves cold gel and gentle pressure on your chest. Attending the visit or filling out a survey might take up a little of your time, but it will not disrupt your usual NHS care. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, England
Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

Does the handheld scan replace my normal hospital heart test?

No. The community scan is an extra check. You will still receive all of your usual NHS hospital tests and specialist appointments.

Is an ultrasound scan painful or dangerous?

No. Ultrasounds are completely painless and safe. They use sound waves rather than radiation to create pictures, using a small handheld sensor and water-based gel on your skin.

Does the artificial intelligence make decisions on its own?

No. The AI tool is designed to assist healthcare professionals by helping them capture clear pictures and highlighting important measurements. Qualified medical staff remain in control of your care.

Will taking part cost me anything?

No. The study is run through the NHS and there is no cost to take part, though you may need to arrange your own travel to the local diagnostic centre.

What happens if I decide I no longer want to participate?

You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your standard NHS care, appointments, and treatment will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Nurul Abdul Samad

n.h.abdulsamad@leeds.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.