Heart sound signals to detect valve and artery disease early
Official title: ACOUTECT: Cardiovascular Acoustics for Early Disease Detection
Run by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT07496775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests whether a new digital stethoscope-like device can pick up heart sound patterns to detect valvular or coronary artery disease earlier in people who are already getting heart imaging.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cambridge) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07496775 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older who are undergoing or have recently undergone either angiography or transthoracic echocardiography within 6 months at Cambridge University Hospitals.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not show distinct acoustic changes or who have unstable cardiovascular conditions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will analyze heart sounds captured with a novel device and compare them with standard imaging results (angiography and echocardiography) to see if acoustic signals can indicate disease earlier. The study includes adults who are already scheduled for imaging at Cambridge University Hospitals and meet safety criteria. It is observational and does not assign a treatment. Results may help determine if acoustics can complement existing diagnostic pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier detection of heart disease using noninvasive listening to heart sounds.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest heart sounds can reflect cardiovascular abnormalities, but this approach is still exploratory and novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants aged ≥18 years * Able to provide written, informed consent * Has undergone angiography in the previous 6 months and scheduled to undergo transthoracic echocardiography, or has undergone transthoracic echocardiography in the previous 6 months and scheduled to undergo angiography, or is scheduled to undergo transthoracic echocardiography and angiography within 6 months. * Angiography and echocardiography performed within Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Exclusion Criteria: * Haemodynamic instability * STEMI or high risk NSTEMI * Anginal symptoms at rest * Heart failure symptoms with NYHA 4 * Cardiovascular related admission or event occurring between imaging studies * Uncontrolled symptomatic arrhythmia * Acute pulmonary embolism * Acute aortic dissection * Previous valve intervention * Suspected endocarditis
Where it's running
-
Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James HF Rudd, PhD FRCP — University of Cambridge
- Study coordinator: Stephen Kelleher
- Email: cuh.research@nhs.net
- Phone: 01223 217418
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.