Improved heart failure detection with AI-enabled screening
Led by Dr. Demilade Adedinsewo, the trial evaluated the performance of Eko’s recently FDA-cleared Low EF AI technology in detecting ejection fraction (EF) at several thresholds, a key metric of heart pump function typically captured using cardiac ultrasound. Involving over 1,200 participants, the study demonstrated that Eko’s Low EF AI technology enabled healthcare professionals to detect PPCM at twice the rate of traditional obstetric care.
With Nigeria experiencing the highest reported global rates of PPCM, the findings underscore the urgent need for such tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
Notably, women screened with Eko’s technology were 12 times more likely to have an EF <45% (indicative of PPCM) identified compared to those receiving standard care. Early detection is critical, as PPCM can rapidly progress into severe, life-threatening complications, particularly in the months following childbirth.
Both an AI-enabled digital stethoscope and an AI-powered 12-lead electrocardiogram model were assessed in the study. However, only Eko’s single-lead digital stethoscope and AI were associated with statistically significant improvements in detecting left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), demonstrating the value of an accessible, portable solution for improving early detection.
Addressing maternal health access disparities
Given Nigeria’s high rates of PPCM, this study underscores the importance of scalable solutions like Eko’s AI-enabled digital stethoscope in improving access to maternal healthcare. The technology offers a portable, easy-to-use screening tool that can be deployed by clinicians on the front lines of care, making it particularly suited for low-resource settings.
These findings are equally relevant in parts of the U.S., where maternal morbidity and mortality rates in certain regions rival those of much less developed nations. For example, Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC, with many preventable deaths linked to cardiovascular complications.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death during pregnancy and postpartum, with PPCM being one of the most common acquired conditions during this time. Diagnosis is often delayed due to overlapping pregnancy symptoms and limited access to specialists, underscoring the urgent need for early detection tools like Eko's AI to improve outcomes and bridge healthcare gaps across diverse populations.
“This study represents a significant step forward in using AI to address critical healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved regions where maternal health outcomes are most at risk,” said Connor Landgraf, CEO and co-founder of Eko Health. “Our mission at Eko has always been to bridge the gap in cardiovascular care access through innovative technology. The results of this trial reinforce our commitment to providing accessible, life-saving tools to healthcare providers around the world, enabling them to detect heart disease earlier and improve patient outcomes.”
Read more in Nature Medicine