RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prospective Evaluation of AI-ECG for SHD Detection

This research wants to see if artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors find heart conditions like weak heart muscle, problems with heart valves, or high blood pressure in the lungs, earlier than before. They're doing this by analysing ECGs, which are simple heart tests. The study is comparing traditional ECG machines with newer, portable devices like smartwatches, to see if AI can work with both. Early detection is really important for preventing serious health problems and hospital stays. The AI isn't used for making medical decisions during the study; it's purely for research to check if it's accurate and useful for future healthcare. The aim is to find a simple, non-invasive, and affordable way to improve how we check heart health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

590

Start

04 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

02 Aug 2027

Valvular Heart Disease Stenosis and Regurgitation (Diagnosis)Pulmonary Hypertension (Diagnosis)Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF; Diagnosis)Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF; Diagnosis)

What is this study about?

Heart conditions can be quite serious, leading to hospital stays and impacting people's health significantly. Often, these conditions go unnoticed until they become more advanced. This study is exploring a new way to try and catch these problems earlier using artificial intelligence (AI) with routine heart tests called electrocardiograms, or ECGs.

An ECG is a simple, painless test that checks your heart's electrical activity. This study is looking at whether AI can analyse the patterns in ECGs to spot signs of conditions like heart muscle weakness (heart failure), problems with heart valves (valvular heart disease), or high pressure in the lungs that affects the heart (pulmonary hypertension). They're not just looking at ECGs from standard hospital machines, but also from smaller, wearable devices like smartwatches, which could make it much easier for people to get their hearts checked regularly, perhaps even at home.

While AI has shown promise in theory, this study is crucial because it's testing the AI's accuracy with brand new information collected from real people in a real-world setting. This means making sure the AI works well for both doctors and patients, giving reliable results. It's important to know that during this study, the AI's findings will not be used to make any medical decisions or influence your care; it's purely for research to see if this new technology could be helpful in the future.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates if AI can improve early detection of heart conditions using ECGs.
It compares traditional ECGs with those from wearable devices like smartwatches.
The goal is to find a low-cost, non-invasive way to detect heart disease sooner.
AI results are for research only and will not affect your medical care during the study.
Participants will undergo various ECG tests and a blood test.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 90 years old. To take part, you shouldn't have been officially diagnosed before with heart failure (which is when your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should), high blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension), or problems with your heart valves.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already have a serious heart rhythm problem or an unstable heart condition. You also can't take part if you've already been diagnosed with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or valve issues. People who have a pacemaker or a similar implanted device from a past heart procedure won't be able to join either.

Also, if you're currently involved in another research study or have recently taken part in one, you wouldn't be eligible for this particular research.

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 between 18 and 90 years old?
Have you NOT been told by a doctor you have heart failure, pulmonary hypertension (high lung pressure), or heart valve problems?
Do you NOT have a serious or unstable heart rhythm or condition?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker or other heart device fitted?
Are you NOT currently part of another research study, or have you NOT recently participated in one?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed information on what taking part involves is not specified in the brief summary. However, based on the interventions listed, it would likely include having several different types of ECGs recorded. This would involve a standard 12-lead ECG (where sticky patches are placed on your chest and limbs), an ECG from an Apple Watch, an ECG using a digital stethoscope, and ECGs from a device called AliveCor KardiaMobile (both single-lead and 6-lead versions). You would also likely have a blood test (phlebotomy) to measure a specific heart-related marker called N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The total duration of participation and whether there are follow-up visits are not detailed, but you would be asked to provide your informed consent before any procedures. You would always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of participating are primarily for the future of healthcare, helping researchers understand if AI can provide a low-cost, non-invasive way to detect heart disease earlier, potentially improving health assessments for many people. For you personally, participating might not offer direct medical benefit, as the AI results won't influence your care during the study. Potential risks are generally low for ECGs and blood tests; these are routine medical procedures. ECGs are painless and non-invasive, while a blood test involves a brief needle stick. As with any study, you have the right to withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (5)

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

Southmead Hospital
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Hammersmith Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
St Mary's Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
West Middlesex University Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ECG?

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps doctors see how well your heart is working.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this study?

AI in this study refers to clever computer programs designed to analyse ECG results. Researchers want to see if AI can help spot hidden heart problems by looking at patterns in your heart's electrical signals.

Will the AI results affect my current medical care?

No, during this study, the AI's findings are only for research. They will not be shared with your doctors or used to make any decisions about your treatment or care.

What kind of heart problems are they looking for?

Researchers are looking for signs of conditions like heart muscle weakness (heart failure), problems with heart valves, and high blood pressure in the lungs that affects the heart.

Are the tests safe?

Yes, ECGs are very common, safe, and painless tests. Blood tests are also routine, with minimal risk, usually just a brief discomfort from the needle.

How to find out more

Ahmed YM El-Medany, MBChB, MRCP, MSc, FHEA

a.el-medany24@imperial.ac.uk +44 02075943614 Official trial record

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