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An unprecedented experiment has made it possible to diagnose atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm disorder) in people who did not know it. These patients were identified using electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors fitted to shopping cart handles.
What if just going shopping could save your life? In a press release published on June 23, the European Society of Cardiology reports the results of a surprising study which made it possible to detect atrial fibrillation in patients who were not aware of it, thanks to electrocardiogram sensors installed on supermarket trolley handles.
Atrial fibrillation increases risk of stroke fivefold
By analyzing the heart rhythm of users of these carts, researchers were able to identify those who suffered from atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke fivefold and is thought to be the cause of a quarter of the 130,000 strokes diagnosed each year.
The study was conducted in four supermarkets with pharmacies in Liverpool (UK) for two months. The researchers fitted 10 carts with sensors placed in the handle. Customers were asked to hold the cart for at least 60 seconds. If the sensors detected no irregular heartbeat, a green light would turn on. If the sensors detected an irregularity, a red light would come on. In this case, the store pharmacist had to perform a manual pulse check and a second sensor reading. ECG recordings of participants with an irregular pulse were then submitted to a cardiologist.
39 people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation thanks to the test
Of the 2,155 adults who participated in this shopping cart experiment, 220 had a red light on the sensor and/or an irregular pulse, suggesting atrial fibrillation. Of those with atrial fibrillation, 20 already knew they had the heart condition but 39 had not been previously diagnosed. This simple test has therefore made it possible to detect a heart problem in patients who were not aware of it. The study reports that people with atrial fibrillation were on average 74 years old and 43% of them were female.
“Recording the pulse of people shopping to detect possible atrial fibrillation is a promising way to prevent strokes and save lives. Once the supermarket test is complete, people should have immediate access to a healthcare professional who can interpret the sensor results and prescribe further tests and treatments if necessary.” said Professor Ian Jones, co-author of the study.