Researchers at Tampere University have developed a new method to detect congestive heart failure using heartbeat intervals—something that can be measured by smartwatches and heart rate monitors. The study, published in Heart Rhythm O2, marks a major step forward in making heart disease diagnosis more affordable, accessible, and efficient.
How the New Method Works
The research team, led by Professor Esa Räsänen, applied advanced time-series analysis to study the inter-beat (RR) intervals—the time between successive heartbeats. By analyzing patterns in these intervals over different time scales, they were able to identify complex heart disease-related characteristics that were previously difficult to detect.
To test this method, researchers analyzed long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings from international medical databases. They compared data from:
- Healthy individuals
- Patients with congestive heart failure
- Patients with atrial fibrillation
The method successfully detected congestive heart failure with 90% accuracy, proving its reliability. This is significant because congestive heart failure is much harder to diagnose than atrial fibrillation, which is already detectable with many smart devices.
A More Affordable and Accessible Alternative
Currently, diagnosing congestive heart failure requires costly and time-consuming tests, such as echocardiography (heart ultrasound). These imaging techniques require hospital visits and specialized equipment, making early detection difficult for many patients.
In contrast, this new approach could allow people to screen for heart failure at home using a smartwatch or a heart rate monitor. This would make early detection much easier, leading to:
Earlier diagnosis and treatment
Better patient outcomes
Reduced healthcare costs
Experts See a Bright Future for Digital Heart Health
Lead researcher Teemu Pukkila highlighted how this study could change digital healthcare and self-monitoring for heart patients. “The new method opens up new opportunities for digital health care and patient self-monitoring,” he said.
Professor Jussi Hernesniemi, a cardiologist at Tays Heart Hospital, emphasized its potential impact. “Our findings pave the way for the early detection of congestive heart failure using readily available equipment, eliminating the need for complex diagnostic procedures,” he said.
Next Steps in Research
The research team is now working on testing the method with more extensive data to confirm its accuracy and reliability. They are also exploring whether similar techniques could be used to detect other heart diseases with greater precision.
This study is part of the Quantum Control and Dynamics group’s broader research efforts. The team has previously used similar advanced algorithms to predict sudden cardiac death and analyze endurance sports performance.
Final Thoughts
This groundbreaking discovery shows that smartwatches and heart rate monitors could soon become powerful tools for detecting heart failure, making diagnosis easier and more accessible to millions. While further research is needed, this study suggests that technology and AI-driven analysis could revolutionize heart disease diagnosis and care in the near future.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
The research findings can be found in Heart Rhythm O2.
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