2023-06-27 14:25:39
It is the very serious European Society of Cardiology which is relaying this experiment, which is original to say the least, presented a few days ago at its last congress. To better detect the fibrillation atriale, a heart rhythm disorder that is a major risk factor for stroke, British researchers had the idea of positioning electrocardiography (ECG) sensors in the handle of supermarket trolleys. With convincing results, although perfectible, according to scientists.
The test took place over two months, in four supermarkets and pharmacies in the city of Liverpool. ECG sensors, allowing cardiac activity to be measured and recorded, were positioned in the horizontal bars of around ten trolleys. The researchers asked customers of these stores to take part in the experiment, which consisted of holding the handle for at least 60 seconds. In total, nearly 2,200 people agreed to play the game.
Some then saw the sensor light turn green, synonymous with a regular heartbeat. For others, the sensor turned red, meaning their heartbeat was showing irregularities. In all cases, verifications were carried out immediately after the experiment, with manual pulse measurements and thanks to ECG measurements carried out with another device. The 220 abnormal tracings recorded using the carts’ ECG sensors were then analyzed by a cardiologist to determine their reliability.
Daily habits
Result: about half of these 220 participants ultimately did not have atrial fibrillation, and the recordings were unclear for about fifty of them. But atrial fibrillation was correctly detected in 59 participants, only 20 of whom already knew they had it. This means that 39 people, who had never been diagnosed before, discovered their condition through this experience. All were invited to make an appointment with a cardiologist.
Even if he concedes that the proportion of false positives is high and that the sensitivity of the device must be improved, “this study shows that it is possible to pass health examinations to the greatest number without disrupting daily habits”, says study author Professor Ian Jones of Liverpool John Moores University.
“Screening for atrial fibrillation while people shop shows promise in preventing strokes and saving lives,” he continues. He believes immediate access to a healthcare professional to explain results and refer patients to confirmatory tests and medication if necessary is crucial.
According to the WHO, 15 million people suffer a stroke every year worldwide. Five million of them die and five million suffer permanent disability.
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