AI Foot Scanner Detects Heart Failure Risk
- A novel at-home device using artificial intelligence and foot recognition could significantly reduce hospitalizations for heart failure patients.
- The device,developed by Heartfelt Technologies,a Cambridge-based startup,identifies edema—fluid accumulation in the feet and ankles—a key indicator of worsening heart failure.The AI-powered foot scanner, about the size of a...
- The system is designed to alert heart failure teams when a patient's edema worsens,enabling timely intervention such as medication adjustments. This proactive approach aims to prevent acute heart...
An AI foot scanner is revolutionizing heart failure detection. The at-home device, utilizing artificial intelligence adn foot recognition, identifies edema—a critical early warning sign—up to 13 days before potential hospitalization. Developed by Heartfelt Technologies, the scanner surpasses the effectiveness of traditional weight monitoring, offering timely alerts for preventative measures. This innovative technology, tested in an NHS-supported study, provides a “virtual nurse” for patients, easing the burden on healthcare professionals.news Directory 3 has the latest on this breakthrough. discover what’s next as researchers expand trials for this life-saving heart health device.
AI Foot Scanner Predicts Heart Failure Hospitalizations
Updated June 8, 2025
A novel at-home device using artificial intelligence and foot recognition could significantly reduce hospitalizations for heart failure patients. Research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester indicates the scanner can detect early warning signs, specifically fluid buildup, days before hospitalization is typically required.
The device,developed by Heartfelt Technologies,a Cambridge-based startup,identifies edema—fluid accumulation in the feet and ankles—a key indicator of worsening heart failure.The AI-powered foot scanner, about the size of a smart speaker, captures 1,800 images per minute, calculating fluid volume with high precision.
The system is designed to alert heart failure teams when a patient’s edema worsens,enabling timely intervention such as medication adjustments. This proactive approach aims to prevent acute heart failure episodes requiring hospitalization.
The National Institute for health and Care Research (NIHR) supported study, known as FOOT, involved 26 patients across five NHS trusts. The results suggest the AI foot scanner provides an average prediction time of 13 days before hospitalization, allowing ample time for preventative measures.
“This device detects one of the big three warning signs for peopel with heart failure before they end up in hospital,” said Dr. Philip Keeling, consultant cardiologist at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and senior author of the study.
Keeling added that the device could act as a “virtual nurse,” monitoring patients’ health and alleviating the strain on heart failure nurses, who are often in short supply. He emphasized the relief the scanner offers patients, automatically tracking their condition and alerting healthcare providers when necessary.
The study also found the AI foot scanner to be more reliable than traditional weight monitoring. While weight checks failed to predict any hospitalizations in the study group, the scanner accurately predicted five out of six.
The device operates autonomously, scanning bare feet and lower legs up to 50cm from the floor. It can function without Wi-fi, ensuring accessibility for older adults. At the end of the six-month trial, 82% of participants chose to keep the device.
What’s next
Researchers plan to conduct larger trials to further validate the effectiveness of the Heartfelt device. Future studies will also focus on refining the foot-recognition technology for use in settings such as care homes, where multiple individuals may be present.