A new AI-powered stethoscope detects pregnancy-related heart failure, a study finds (Image credit: iStock)
An AI-enhanced digital stethoscope has shown potential to help doctors detect a rare and potentially fatal form of heart failure that can occur in late stages. pregnancyknown as peripartum cardiomyopathy. According to a new clinical trial published in Nature Medicine on September 2, the AI-controlled stethoscope was 12 times more effective than traditional methods at identifying heart muscle weakness associated with this condition.
“Early recognition of this type of heart failure is crucial for the health and well-being of the mother,” said Dr. Demilade Adedinsewo, lead researcher and cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is particularly difficult to diagnose because its symptoms (such as shortness of breath, leg swelling and fatigue) are common during pregnancy, making it easy to miss. “These symptoms can get progressively worse as the pregnancy progresses or, more commonly, after delivery,” Dr. Adedinsewo noted. “If not detected early, the mother’s heart can become too weak, putting her life at risk.”
In the clinical trial, researchers recruited nearly 1,200 pregnant women in Nigeria, a country with the world’s highest rates of pregnancy-related heart failure. Participants were divided into two groups: one received typical obstetric care, while the other was monitored using the AI Stethoscope and an AI-controlled 12-lead ECG.
Traditionally, doctors rely on X-rays, stethoscopes, and follow-up ultrasounds to detect peripartum cardiomyopathy. These methods help identify signs such as fluid in the lungs, rapid heart rate, or abnormal heart sounds. However, confirming the condition often requires additional testing. However, the AI-enhanced stethoscope simplifies this process by quickly detecting early signs of heart muscle weakness.
The trial results were significant: About 4 percent of women screened with the AI stethoscope were diagnosed with heart failure, compared to just 2 percent of those receiving traditional care. This suggests that AI-based medical devices can improve early detection rates and potentially save lives.
Once detected, peripartum cardiomyopathy can be treated with medication, although more severe cases may require intensive care, mechanical heart support or even a heart transplant, according to Dr. Adedinsewo.
The success of this study could have far-reaching implications, particularly for high-risk populations. The researchers plan to further evaluate how Nigerian healthcare professionals use the AI stethoscope in real-world situations and hope to launch similar trials in the U.S.
“Peripartum cardiomyopathy affects approximately 1 in 2,000 women in the U.S., and African American women are disproportionately affected,” said Dr. Adedinsewo. Testing this AI tool in the U.S. will provide a broader understanding of its potential in diverse healthcare settings and populations.
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