Want to see the difference? Download the “Cardio-HART vs. ECG” brochure to learn how our new technology provides a clearer picture of your heart health. 

LONDON, UK – 24 June 2024 – MIAl Healthcare is proud to announce a new collaboration with CardioPhoenix to introduce the groundbreaking Cardio-HART™ cardiac diagnostic system. This innovative technology is set to revolutionise heart health assessments by enabling early and comprehensive detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) directly within our primary care practice.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading global health issue, yet early detection in primary care has been hampered by the limitations of traditional tools. Standard ECGs detect less than 44% of common heart problems , while access to more effective echocardiography involves referral wait times that can average six months.

The Cardio-HART™ system solves this by combining an AI-reported ECG, an eStethoscope, and an echocardiogram into a single, non-invasive test. For our patients, this means immediate access to advanced cardiac diagnostics without the long wait.

Key advantages of the Cardio-HART™ system now at MIAl Healthcare:

• Early and Broad Detection: It can identify the early onset of heart disease  and covers approximately 93% of the most common heart conditions, including heart failure and valve disease.
• Comprehensive Reporting: The system provides detailed “HART Findings” that are disease-equivalent to an echocardiogram, assessing 14 significant cardiac abnormalities that a standard ECG cannot.
• Enhanced Accuracy: AI-powered analysis significantly increases diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Clinical studies show that GPs using CHART reduced false-negative referral decisions by 15.8% and increased their positive diagnostic rate from 8.5% to 26.7%.
• Immediate and Efficient: The test is quick, non-invasive, and provides immediate results in about 15 minutes, allowing our clinicians to make confident decisions about your care right away.

By adopting the Cardio-HART™ system, MIAl Healthcare is making a definitive move to combat cardiovascular disease through superior diagnostics. This technology provides our clinicians with the detailed evidence needed to either confidently rule out heart disease—with a 99% Negative Predictive Value (NPV) —or to initiate the right treatment pathway without delay.

Chronic pain and chronic stress are deeply interconnected in a complex relationship that can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. While they are distinct experiences, they often coexist and can exacerbate one another, creating a vicious cycle of suffering. 

But first, let’s go back to clarify some definitions. Chronic pain is persistent discomfort lasting for longer than three months, often resulting from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines or nerve damage. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a prolonged state of psychological and physiological hyper (or hypo) arousal and tension, usually stemming from factors like work pressures, financial worries, or personal problems. The relationship between the two can be understood through several key mechanisms: 

Central Nervous System: Chronic pain and stress both activate the body’s stress response, involving the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this heightened stress response can contribute to the amplification of pain signals, making pain feel more intense and persistent.

Neurotransmitters: The brain chemicals involved in both pain and stress, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, play a role in regulating mood and pain perception. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can make individuals more vulnerable to both conditions.  

Behavioural Factors: Chronic pain often restricts physical activity, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and muscle tension. These physical changes can intensify stress and create a vicious cycle, as heightened stress can, in turn, exacerbate muscle tension and pain.

Psychological Factors: Coping with chronic pain can be mentally draining, and this persistent emotional burden can lead to chronic stress as well as social isolation. Likewise, chronic stress can lower the pain threshold, making even minor discomfort more challenging to bear.  

Inflammatory Response: Chronic stress can trigger systemic inflammation, which is increasingly recognized as a shared contributor to many health issues. Inflammation can worsen pain and increase the risk of stress-related conditions. Inflammatory cytokines released during stress can sensitize pain receptors and increase pain sensitivity. Additionally, stress-related changes in neurotransmitter systems, such as decreased serotonin and increased norepinephrine, can amplify pain signals. 

Managing chronic pain and stress often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical treatment, psychological-somatic interventions at cognitive, behavioural and physical levels (called top-down and bottom-up approaches), and lifestyle changes. Techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and relaxation exercises can help individuals break the cycle of pain and stress. Furthermore, addressing the underlying causes of stress and sometimes traumas, whether they be work-related, financial, or emotional, is vital for long-term relief and healing.

 Managing chronic pain and stress often involves a multidisciplinary approach. 

Chronic pain and chronic stress are deeply interconnected in a complex relationship that can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. While they are distinct experiences, they often coexist and can exacerbate one another, creating a vicious cycle of suffering. 

But first, let’s go back to clarify some definitions. Chronic pain is persistent discomfort lasting for longer than three months, often resulting from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines or nerve damage. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a prolonged state of psychological and physiological hyper (or hypo) arousal and tension, usually stemming from factors like work pressures, financial worries, or personal problems. The relationship between the two can be understood through several key mechanisms: 

Central Nervous System: Chronic pain and stress both activate the body’s stress response, involving the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this heightened stress response can contribute to the amplification of pain signals, making pain feel more intense and persistent.

Neurotransmitters: The brain chemicals involved in both pain and stress, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, play a role in regulating mood and pain perception. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can make individuals more vulnerable to both conditions.  

Behavioural Factors: Chronic pain often restricts physical activity, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and muscle tension. These physical changes can intensify stress and create a vicious cycle, as heightened stress can, in turn, exacerbate muscle tension and pain.

Psychological Factors: Coping with chronic pain can be mentally draining, and this persistent emotional burden can lead to chronic stress as well as social isolation. Likewise, chronic stress can lower the pain threshold, making even minor discomfort more challenging to bear.  

Inflammatory Response: Chronic stress can trigger systemic inflammation, which is increasingly recognized as a shared contributor to many health issues. Inflammation can worsen pain and increase the risk of stress-related conditions. Inflammatory cytokines released during stress can sensitize pain receptors and increase pain sensitivity. Additionally, stress-related changes in neurotransmitter systems, such as decreased serotonin and increased norepinephrine, can amplify pain signals. 

Managing chronic pain and stress often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical treatment, psychological-somatic interventions at cognitive, behavioural and physical levels (called top-down and bottom-up approaches), and lifestyle changes. Techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and relaxation exercises can help individuals break the cycle of pain and stress. Furthermore, addressing the underlying causes of stress and sometimes traumas, whether they be work-related, financial, or emotional, is vital for long-term relief and healing.

 Managing chronic pain and stress often involves a multidisciplinary approach.