AI Breakthrough in Heart Attack Detection

Landmark international study shows improved STEMI accuracy and fewer false activations

UTH-EM Associate Professor Benjamin Cooper, MD, MEd, contributed to a major international study demonstrating that an AI platform, Queen of Hearts by Powerful Medical, substantially improves electrocardiogram (ECG) detection of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Read the full institution story for more details: Inside UTH: Groundbreaking study shows AI benefits in heart attack detection

The study, presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Symposium, reported notable gains in sensitivity and a sharp reduction in false-positive activations, underscoring AI’s practical value for emergency cardiac care.

Dr. Cooper supported patient data collection and clinical interpretation at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center to ensure the trial reflected real-world emergency department practice.

Across more than 1,000 patients at three hospitals, the Queen of Hearts AI improved sensitivity from 71% to 92% and reduced false activations from 41.8% to 7.9% – results that could shorten time to treatment, reduce unnecessary mobilizations, and optimize triage at first medical contact.

The study, published in JACC: Cardiovascular, marks an important step toward integrating AI tools into emergency workflows. Locally, Memorial Hermann (MHH) plans a six-month pilot via its Innovation Hub to evaluate implementation and outcomes.

We congratulate Dr. Cooper for his role in advancing practical, evidence-driven solutions that improve patient care and support our department’s mission in clinical innovation and education!