RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Utilising AI Analysis of Sounds To prEdict heaRt failurE decOmpensation

Heart failure is a common condition where your heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Sometimes, symptoms can suddenly get much worse, leading to an emergency called acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and often a hospital stay. This study aims to find a way to detect these warning signs much earlier, even before you feel very unwell. Researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse subtle changes in the sounds your body makes, like your voice, cough, and breathing. The goal is for this AI tool to give patients and their healthcare team an early heads-up, so treatment can start sooner. This could help make heart failure episodes less severe and reduce how often people need to go to the hospital.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

250

Start

18 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

15 Aug 2027

Heart Failure

What is this study about?

Heart failure affects many people in the UK, making it hard for their heart to pump blood properly. Sometimes, people with heart failure can suddenly become much sicker, often struggling to breathe because of fluid building up in their lungs. This is a serious situation that usually means a trip to the hospital. While treatment can help stabilise these episodes, many people experience them repeatedly over time.

A big part of heart failure getting worse is this fluid build-up in the lungs. If doctors can spot this early, it can often prevent a hospital visit. However, it's really hard to notice these early warning signs yourself, as the symptoms can be very mild or unclear. That's where this new study comes in. Researchers are exploring a new, non-invasive method using AI, which is a type of computer technology that can learn from data. They want to see if the AI can recognise tiny changes in a person's voice, cough, and breathing sounds that might indicate fluid is starting to build up.

The hope is that this AI tool could act like an early warning system for heart failure patients and their medical team. If these subtle changes are picked up early, treatment can begin sooner, which might make heart failure episodes less severe and reduce the number of times people need to go into hospital for urgent care. The study has two parts: a smaller initial study to help plan, followed by a larger study to develop the final AI tool. The ultimate goal is to see if this tool can be used by the NHS to help people with heart failure.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI to detect early signs of worsening heart failure.
It could help reduce emergency hospital visits for heart failure patients.
Participants will have health checks and sound recordings.
The AI analyses voice, cough, and breathing sounds.
This is a research study to develop a future medical tool.
Participation involves using a smartphone for sound recordings.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with chronic heart failure that's either stable or has recently led to a hospital stay. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part. It's important that you have a smartphone or are willing to use one that the study team can lend you, as your sounds will be recorded using an app on the phone.

However, this study might not be right for everyone. If you can't give your consent, or if you need continuous oxygen treatment that can't be given through a small tube in your nose, you won't be able to join. Also, if you currently have pneumonia, other serious lung conditions like asthma or emphysema, a blood clot in your lungs, or another acute illness (like a bad infection) that affects your breathing or voice, you wouldn't be able to take part. If you have had surgery on your neck or voice box that affects how you speak, or if you have difficulty speaking (aphasia), you would also be excluded.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with chronic heart failure?
Can you give your informed consent to participate?
Do you have a smartphone or are you willing to use one loaned by the study?
Do you currently have a severe lung problem like pneumonia or severe asthma?
Have you had recent surgery on your voice box or neck that affects your speaking?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo several assessments. These include having your height, weight, and general health checked, and a medical history taken. You'll also have a physical examination, some blood samples drawn, and your vital signs (like pulse and blood pressure) measured while you're resting. A special heart scan called an echocardiogram will be performed, and your lungs will be checked using an ultrasound. You'll also complete some questionnaires about your heart health and symptoms. Crucially, your voice, cough, and breathing sounds will be recorded. This process will involve a few assessments at the start. The study is split into two parts: a smaller initial pilot study, and then a larger study. The total duration of your participation isn't specified, but it's likely to involve several visits or check-ins over a period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to research that could lead to earlier detection and better management of heart failure in the future, potentially reducing hospital stays for many. There are some potential risks associated with the procedures, such as minor discomfort from blood draws or the time commitment for appointments. All procedures will be carried out by trained professionals. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is AI and how does it help in this study?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. In this study, it's like a smart computer program that listens to your voice, cough, and breathing sounds to spot tiny changes that might show your heart failure is getting worse, potentially before you even feel significant symptoms.

Will I need to go to the hospital a lot if I join?

The study involves several different health checks, including some that might be done at a hospital or clinic, and some sound recordings. The aim is to actually help reduce future unplanned hospital visits by detecting issues early.

What types of sounds will be recorded?

The study will record sounds like your voice when you speak, your cough, and your breathing sounds. This will usually be done using a smartphone app.

Will taking part affect my regular heart failure treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change how your heart failure is usually treated by your doctors. The study is looking for new ways to monitor, not to replace your current care.

Is this new AI tool available now?

No, this study is part of the research and development phase. The goal is to develop and test the AI tool, and if successful, it would need further testing before it could be used widely in medical care.

How to find out more

Erdem Demir

erdem.demir1@nhs.net +44 1223 256621 Official trial record

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