An AI-enhanced digital stethoscope has shown the potential to help doctors detect a rare and life-threatening form of heart failure that can occur late in pregnancy, known as peripartum cardiomyopathy. According to a new clinical trial published in Nature Medicine on September 2, the AI-driven 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, swelling in the legs, and fatigue—are common during pregnancy, making it easy to miss. "These symptoms can progressively worsen as pregnancy advances or, more commonly, after childbirth," Dr Adedinsewo noted. "If not caught in time, the mother’s heart can become too weak, putting her life in danger."

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. The participants were divided into two groups: one received typical obstetric care, while the other was monitored using the AI stethoscope and an AI-driven 12-lead electrocardiogram.

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, a rapid heart rate, or abnormal heart sounds. However, confirming the condition often requires additional tests. The AI-enhanced stethoscope, however, simplifies this process by quickly detecting early signs of heart muscle weakness.

The results of the trial were significant: about 4 per cent of the women examined using the AI stethoscope were diagnosed with heart failure, compared to just 2 per cent 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 medications, though 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. Researchers plan to further evaluate how Nigerian healthcare professionals use the AI stethoscope in real-world scenarios and are hopeful about launching similar trials in the U.S.

“Peripartum cardiomyopathy affects approximately 1 in 2,000 women in the US, with African-American women being disproportionately affected,” said Dr Adedinsewo. Testing this AI tool in the U.S. will provide a broader understanding of its potential in various healthcare settings and populations.

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