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Researchers are testing whether shoppers can be screened for heart arrhythmias while they shop. A device embedded in shopping-cart handles can check heart rhythm and detect atrial fibrillation (AF).
AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder; it can come and go or be persistent, and many people don’t know they have it. The danger is that AF can cause blood clots in the heart and raise the risk of stroke about fivefold.
An ECG in the Supermarket
British researchers developed MyDiagnostick — a cylindrical device that records a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) when a shopper touches metal electrodes. Its software analyzes the data in under a minute while contact is maintained. To keep the test discreet, the team integrated the device into supermarket cart handles.
A total of 2,155 shoppers agreed to use the modified carts during their trips. They were asked to hold the handle for at least a minute. If no irregularities were detected, the handle lit up green. The researchers also checked participants’ pulses manually to verify the results.
If MyDiagnostick detected an irregular heartbeat, the cart handle lit up red. In that case, shoppers underwent additional pulse checks, both manually and with a separate heart-monitoring device. A cardiologist also reviewed their ECGs. Those with unclear ECG results were invited to repeat the test.
The device flagged 220 participants with a possible AF signal (red light). After cardiologist review, 115 of those were ruled out, 46 ECGs were unclear, and 59 participants were confirmed to have atrial fibrillation — 39 of whom had not known they had it.
Lead author Jan Jones says the experiment shows the device’s potential. MyDiagnostick could enable widespread health screenings without interrupting daily routines.
In two months, the screening identified 39 people who hadn’t known they had AF and who were living with an elevated stroke risk. Because of the test, those individuals sought follow-up care from a cardiologist.
Needs Refinement but Already Has Supporters
The researchers say MyDiagnostick is highly sensitive for detecting AF (over 94%), but its accuracy still needs improvement. It produced a significant number of false positives.
Only about a quarter to half of the participants who got a red light actually had atrial fibrillation confirmed on cardiologist review. Additionally, the current algorithm would have missed about half of the true AF cases.
The team plans to keep improving the device’s accuracy, NewAtlas reported. Even so, shoppers said they were satisfied with the experience and expressed interest in using it.
As Jan Jones says, nearly two-thirds of the shoppers invited to participate used the cart with the device. Most who declined likely did so because they were in a hurry, not because they feared monitoring. Jones says that shows broad acceptance of the concept.
The researchers say the device needs refinements to boost accuracy. Jones believes screening for atrial fibrillation during regular shopping trips could prevent strokes and save lives. He adds that immediate access to a healthcare professional who can explain results and arrange confirmatory tests will be crucial for MyDiagnostick to succeed.
