{
  "id": 19261653,
  "title": "AI analysis of ECG data measured by smartwatch may help detect reduced heart pumping function",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/ai-analysis-of-ecg-data-measured-by-smartwatch-may-help-detect",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-10T01:20:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-ai-analysis-ecg-smartwatch-heart.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) software analyzing ECG data from smartwatches could potentially identify a dangerous heart condition called left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). LVSD occurs when the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, does not contract effectively, leading to reduced ejection fraction of 40% or less.\n\nThe researchers developed a novel AI model to analyze smartwatch ECG recordings for signs of reduced heart pumping function. However, the study found that AI classifications differed between smartwatch brands in 9% of the 2,211 adults examined. In 108 home users, requiring repeated positive results reduced false positives but also missed two additional cases of LVSD.\n\nThe study's lead author, Hak Seung Lee, a cardiologist at the Digital Healthcare Institute, emphasized that a single smartwatch ECG is a snapshot and that repeated recordings can yield different results. While the AI analysis detected LVSD, the classification varied between watches. Requiring repeated positive results helped reduce false positives but may have missed some additional cases.\n\nFurther research is needed to determine the optimal use of AI analysis of smartwatch ECGs to guide further evaluation for LVSD and other heart conditions. The findings may not generalize beyond patients referred for echocardiography.",
  "summary": "Artificial intelligence (AI) software tasked with evaluating heart signals (ECG data) measured by smartwatches may help identify a hidden and dangerous heart condition known as left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), although results varied between smartwatch brands and across ECG recordings, according to new, preliminary, independent late-breaking science presented today at the American…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}