AstraZeneca Partners with Tricog Health and Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) to Launch AI-Powered Heart Screening in Kenya

AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, has joined forces with Tricog Health, an innovator in AI-driven healthcare solutions, and the Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) to launch an AI-based heart screening initiative in Kenya. 

The study, which commenced in May 2024, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-based Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) model in screening for heart failure (HF) across seven strategically selected centers in Kenya.

Addressing the Heart Failure Burden in Kenya

Heart failure is a significant health concern, affecting over 64.3 million people globally. 

In Kenya, the condition poses a major challenge, often going undetected due to limited access to diagnostic tools and the high cost of traditional screening methods, such as echocardiograms. 

The INTERnational Congestive Heart Failure Study (INTER-CHF), conducted in sixteen countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, revealed that the mortality rate was highest in Africa at 34%.

Leveraging AI and ECG Technology

The study, which aims to enroll 10,000 patients, utilizes Tricog’s AI ECG algorithm to analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) data, a low-cost and widely available tool, to identify individuals at risk of heart failure. 

This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in cardiovascular diagnostics, as the algorithm can quickly and accurately detect heart failure risk even in the absence of overt symptoms.

Early Findings and Potential Impact

Initial findings from the first five sites have revealed a 15.5% prevalence of heart failure among the screened population, a figure significantly higher than expected. 

Additionally, 70% of patients exhibited underlying cardiovascular disorders, with 10% of those cases classified as critical, requiring immediate medical attention. 

These results highlight the potential of AI-based solutions to identify asymptomatic individuals who may not seek medical help until their condition has progressed significantly.

Collaboration for Innovation and Improved Outcomes

The collaboration between AstraZeneca, Tricog Health, and KCS exemplifies their shared commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration. 

By combining their expertise in cardiovascular health, AI technology, and local healthcare delivery, they aim to address the unique challenges faced in Kenya and improve outcomes for patients with heart failure.

AstraZeneca’s mission is to aid patients in managing their conditions by closing gaps in the patient journey from awareness to screening, diagnosis, and continuous management. 

This study is a testament to their commitment to bringing innovative solutions to Kenya and the wider African continent, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people.

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Potential for Scalable and Cost-Effective Solutions

AstraZeneca’s A.Catalyst Network (A.CN) Africa Hub, a health innovation initiative, is working to provide cost-effective and adaptable solutions to transform patient outcomes across the continent. 

Tricog’s InstaECG AI tools, which provide rapid cardiac diagnosis, reducing the time to detection to just three minutes, allow for the screening and diagnosis of patients regardless of their location.

Dr. Bernard Samia, President of KCS and Principal Investigator, emphasizes the early results as a stark reminder of the hidden burden of heart failure in their communities. 

By harnessing the power of AI and ECG technology, they aim to empower healthcare providers with a scalable and cost-effective tool to improve patient care.

The partnership between AstraZeneca, Tricog Health, and KCS represents a significant step forward in addressing the heart failure burden in Kenya. 

By leveraging AI-based solutions and ECG technology, they are working to detect heart failure earlier, improve patient outcomes, and provide scalable and cost-effective solutions to healthcare providers in the region.

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