New AI approach to detect and predict atrial fibrillation after stroke
Official title: Novel Algorithm and Data Strategies to detect and Predict atrial fibrillation for post-stroke patients (NADSP)
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11292390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly AI-based method is being developed to spot atrial fibrillation early in people who have had a stroke, using wearable heart-rate signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $646,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166233-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have had a stroke and are being followed up in clinical settings, especially those using wearables or at-risk for AF.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of stroke or AF, or those unable to use wearable devices, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project creates a new deep neural network that looks at wearable heart signals (like PPG data) and checks signal quality to reliably detect atrial fibrillation even when the data isn’t perfect. It aims to identify AF early so doctors can start preventive treatments, such as anticoagulation, to reduce future stroke risk. The work builds on data from adults, combines advanced algorithms with real-world monitoring, and focuses on making AF detection practical for long-term, at-home use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients who have had a stroke could get earlier AF detection and more timely prevention of recurrent strokes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show promise for wearable-based AF detection, but this project seeks to improve performance with imperfect data.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Xiao — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Xiao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Blood Thinners for Older Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
This project helps doctors choose the best blood thinner for older patients who have had a stroke and also have an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
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New methods to detect and predict atrial fibrillation in post-stroke patients
This study is looking to make it easier to spot atrial fibrillation in people who have had a stroke by using smart technology that can read signals from wearable devices, helping to catch any heart issues early so that doctors can provide the right care and prevent future strokes.
-
Atrial fibrillation, clots, and stroke: the heart’s JNK2 as a target
This NIH grant explores how a heart protein called JNK2 may drive atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and stroke, and whether it could serve as a biomarker and new treatment approach.
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DECIDE-AF: a shared decision tool in your health portal to help prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation
A patient-friendly tool in your electronic health record helps you and your doctor choose the right way to prevent strokes if you have atrial fibrillation.
-
Advancing Shared Decision Making for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Aims to combine data from three big trials to understand how decision aids help people with atrial fibrillation choose anticoagulation to prevent stroke, in a patient-centered way.
-
ARISE-CARE: Using AI to Improve Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients
A stroke rehabilitation project uses AI to help therapists deliver higher-quality care and make documentation easier for clinicians, with patients who have had a stroke in mind.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.