First AI Tool for Rapid Heart Failure Detection via ECG

Narayana Health Unveils India’s First AI Tool to Detect Heart Failure in Just 10 Seconds

Imagine a world where a simple electrocardiogram (ECG) — that familiar zigzag line — could reveal early signs of heart failure in just seconds, even before symptoms become severe. That world is now here, thanks to an extraordinary innovation from Narayana Health, first AI tool for rapid heart failure detection via ECG.

In a groundbreaking first for India, the hospital group has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of detecting heart failure from a standard ECG image in just 10 seconds. This revolutionary system, created by Narayana Health’s Clinical Research Team in collaboration with its AI arm Medha AI, can predict left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) — a vital indicator of heart function — in near real-time.

Why This Matters for Millions of Indians

Heart failure affects over 10 million people in India, yet many go undiagnosed due to limited access to echocardiography (ECHO), the traditional — and often costly — method for evaluation. This AI tool could be a lifesaver for patients in resource-limited and rural settings.

Using a massive dataset of over 100,000 ECG images paired with echo reports, the AI model demonstrated an impressive 97% accuracy in identifying patients with severely reduced EF (≤35%) during a multi-centre trial involving 57,000 patients.

Speed, Simplicity, and Reach

One of its most transformative features? It works even from a photo of an ECG strip taken with a mobile phone. This means doctors and healthcare workers in remote villages — armed with just a smartphone — could detect heart failure risk without expensive machines.

Integrated into Narayana Health’s Athma EMR system, the tool is already undergoing real-world validation at premier centres in Bengaluru and Kolkata. Remarkably, early trials suggest it can spot warning signs up to 58 days before an ECHO would normally be ordered, giving doctors a crucial head start in treatment.

Recognition Beyond Borders

This innovation has already attracted global attention, with presentations at leading conferences like HRX (Atlanta) and APHRS (Sydney), publication in the Indian Heart Journal, and accolades such as the BMJ South Asia Award for Digital Innovation.

Dr Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health.

Beyond Heart Failure — The Road Ahead.

Narayana Health isn’t stopping here. Plans are already underway to expand the AI’s capabilities to detect other heart abnormalities and even early signs of coronary artery disease. The vision is clear: bring advanced, accurate diagnostics to everyone — whether in bustling metros or remote rural areas.

“This is not just a model; it’s a demonstration of India’s ability to combine clinical excellence with digital innovation. Being able to predict heart function from a simple ECG is a game changer,” says Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health.

As Narayana Health’s Group Chief Medical Director, Dr. P. M. Uthappa, notes:

“Responsible AI in healthcare isn’t just about innovation — it’s about fairness, transparency, and ensuring the underserved benefit the most.”

 This AI doesn’t just diagnose faster — it democratizes heart care, breaking barriers between cutting-edge medicine and the people who need it most.

Source: