New findings have suggested that adding sensors to supermarket trolleys could save people’s lives. Scientists investigated whether installing electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors – designed to check the heart’s rhythm – on the handles of supermarket, trolleys could identify shoppers with atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. The sensors would detect heart conditions that put them at increased risk of stroke. The researchers said that over the course of two months, they identified 39 people who were unaware that they had the condition. Ian Jones, professor of cardiovascular nursing at Liverpool John Moores University, who led the study, said: “That’s 39 people at greater risk of stroke who received a cardiologist appointment.” He added: “This study shows the potential of taking health checks to the masses without disrupting daily routines.” It is estimated that around 1.5 million people in the UK have atrial fibrillation, contributing to one in five strokes. The condition is treatable, but at least another 270,000 people in the UK remain undiagnosed and unaware, according to the British Heart Foundation. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter There are wearable devices that can also spot irregular heartbeat but this would also require people to take responsibility and wear the device. Professor Jones said: “Nearly two-thirds of the shoppers we approached were happy to use a trolley, and the vast majority of those who declined were in a rush rather than wary of being monitored. “This shows that the concept is acceptable to most people and worth testing in a larger study.” He added: “Checking for atrial fibrillation while people do their regular shopping holds promise for preventing strokes and saving lives. “A crucial aspect is providing immediate access to a health professional who can explain the findings and refer patients on for confirmatory tests and medication if needed.” The findings were presented at ACNAP 2023 conference organised by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea said on Thursday deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers, bombers or missile submarines in

The man was arrested by the railway police and his motive is being investigated.

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE The yen was on track for its best week against the dollar in four

Angus Cloud, the actor known for portraying fan-favorite drug dealer Fezco in HBO’s 'Euphoria', died of an accidental overdose

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis filed paperwork on Tuesday for South Carolina’s 2024 presidential primary

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will introduce the police department’s counterterrorism head as his choice for police superintendent of the nation’s third-largest city

By David French and Anirban Sen Citigroup Inc has hired former UBS Group AG banker Dan Ford as

The Bank of England’s newest policy maker Megan Greene warned that interest rates may settle at higher levels

Andrew Tate asserts that he is 'on a politically exposed persons list' and is 'not allowed to have a bank account anywhere'

Shares of Country Garden Holdings Co. are expected to drop 35% as liquidity concerns surrounding China’s private builders

By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES A search for Wes Anderson on YouTube turns up trailers that the famed