Eko Devices Inc. launched a redesigned app and smart stethoscope system to detect heart disease during a regular physical, potentially reducing the time to diagnosis and treatment for America’s number one killer. The system incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to identify heart murmurs and atrial fibrillation with performance the company says is on par with cardiologists.

Norwegian diagnostics company Cardinor AS landed a CE mark for its Secretoneurin (SN) ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The blood-based test detects SN, a small 33-amino acid neuropeptide produced by neuroendocrine and heart muscle cells. Studies have shown the biomarker is a predictor of mortality in major patient cohorts, including ventricular arrhythmia, acute heart failure, acute respiratory failure patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and severe sepsis.

For about one-third of stroke patients, the cause of their cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is unknown at the time of hospitalization, but crucial to determine to prevent subsequent strokes. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in the 24 to 48 hours after a stroke detects atrial fibrillation (AF) in about 5% of patients. Remote monitoring with a noninvasive device detects far more cases and provides the opportunity to quickly head off secondary strokes, preserving lives and reducing costs of care, according to a study published by Royal Philips NV researchers.