On February 5, 2025, Heart Valve Voice, in partnership with Gill Furniss MP, hosted a parliamentary testing event to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of Heart Valve Disease (HVD) at the community level. The event showcased the crucial role that technology and AI can play in improving the detection process and alleviating pressure on overstretched primary care services.
Heart Valve Voice, a patient charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with heart valve disease, organised and led the event, bringing together cardiologists, pharmacists, patients, and policymakers from across the UK. More than 50 parliamentarians participated, many of whom underwent heart checks as part of the demonstration.
To illustrate the current and emerging methods of heart disease detection, the event began with cardiologists performing traditional stethoscope checks. Parliamentarians were then invited to receive a second check — this time using an AI-enhanced stethoscope operated by pharmacists. This digital tool assessed heart murmurs via a connected platform, automatically evaluating the likelihood of heart valve disease.
The demonstration highlighted how AI technology can complement traditional tools by offering greater efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. By shifting initial detection from busy GPs and cardiologists to community-based pharmacists and healthcare professionals, the system opens up new pathways for earlier diagnosis and improved patient flow.
Where the AI tool flagged potential issues, pharmacists also showcased how findings and audio recordings of heart sounds can be instantly shared with GPs. GPs can then make direct referrals for echocardiography, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment planning.
Trials of these AI-enhanced stethoscopes are already underway in England, including a pilot in the Hampshire Integrated Care System, supported by SHD Coalition member Dr. John de Verteuil.
The event also underscored a shift in clinical practice, especially in the post-pandemic era, where traditional stethoscope checks at GP surgeries have become less frequent due to mounting pressures on primary care. The adoption of AI-driven tools can help reduce wait times and streamline referrals, ensuring patients with suspected valve disease are seen sooner by specialists.
The event reinforced alignment with wider government goals — from reducing the elective backlog to tackling health inequalities and shifting care closer to home.
Following the event, Heart Valve Voice issued a Call to Action encouraging public and political support for early detection initiatives. To register your support, please visit here.
Additionally, Gill Furniss MP has submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) on the early detection of heart valve disease in Parliament, which has received cross-party support. To follow the EDM, please visit this link.