Supermarket trolleys equipped with sensors may hold the key to saving lives by detecting a heart condition that increases the risk of stroke, according to preliminary findings by UK scientists. The researchers explored the possibility of installing electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, designed to monitor the heart's rhythm, on supermarket trolley handles to identify shoppers with atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.
During a two-month study, the scientists identified 39 individuals who were unaware they had the condition. Leading the study, Professor Ian Jones from Liverpool John Moores University's cardiovascular nursing department said: "That's 39 people at greater risk of stroke who received a cardiologist appointment. This study shows the potential of taking health checks to the masses without disrupting daily routines.”
Atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK and contributes to one in five strokes. Yet, the British Heart Foundation estimates that at least 270,000 individuals remain undiagnosed and unaware of their condition.
For the study, 2,155 adults who used trolleys equipped with embedded sensors while shopping at Sainsbury's or Lloyds Pharmacy were recruited. Participants were asked to place their hands on the trolley handle for approximately 60 seconds, during which the sensors collected data on their heart rhythms.
The sensors illuminated a red light when an irregular heartbeat was detected and turned green when it was normal. All participants underwent an additional manual pulse check to confirm whether they had atrial fibrillation.
In cases where the sensor turned red, an in-store pharmacist conducted another sensor reading using a standalone handle not attached to a trolley. A cardiologist then reviewed the ECG recordings of individuals who displayed a red light or irregular pulse.
The findings revealed that out of the 2,155 participants, 220 exhibited a red light or an irregular pulse. After cardiologist review, 115 individuals were found not to have the condition, while 46 recordings were inconclusive.
Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 59 people, with 20 already aware of their condition, while 39 were previously undiagnosed. While a simple pulse check can identify those with atrial fibrillation, it relies on individuals noticing something unusual about their heartbeat and seeking assessment at a GP surgery.
Wearable devices are also available to detect irregular heartbeats, but they require people to take responsibility and wear the device. Professor Jones stated, "Nearly two-thirds of the shoppers we approached were happy to use a trolley, and the vast majority of those who declined were in a rush rather than wary of being monitored," indicating that the concept was generally well-received.
He added, "Checking for atrial fibrillation while people do their regular shopping holds promise for preventing strokes and saving lives."
Immediate access to a healthcare professional who can explain the findings and refer patients for further tests and medication, if necessary, is crucial. The findings were presented at the ACNAP 2023 conference organized by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
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