Polish scientists develop early warning system for heart failure

Researchers in Poland are developing a portable device designed to detect early signs of worsening heart failure at home, potentially preventing severe symptoms and emergency hospitalizations. The project, led by teams at the Warsaw University of Technology and the University of Łódź, integrates low-power microwave sensing and bioimpedance measurements to monitor fluid accumulation in the lungs, a key indicator of heart failure progression.

Heart failure affects approximately 64 million people globally, including 1.2 million in Poland. The condition, characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, leads to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Current diagnostic tools like imaging and blood tests are unsuitable for continuous home monitoring, creating a need for a portable solution.

The new device employs low-power microwaves to detect changes in tissue interactions caused by fluid buildup. Bioimpedance measurements provide additional data on hydration, heart rate, and breathing. This dual approach aims to enhance reliability, as one method can compensate for errors in the other due to patient movement or environmental factors.

A graphene flake screen, under development at the Warsaw University of Technology, will separate the two measurement channels. The device's software will analyze the data, offering clear indicators for both patients and healthcare providers. The Foundation for Polish Science has allocated over PLN 8.28 million to support this three-year initiative under the TEAM NET FENG programme.

The project involves collaboration among physicists, electronics specialists, mechatronics engineers, and biomedical researchers. It leverages microwave technology and helical antennas from the University of Łódź and bioimpedance expertise from the Warsaw University of Technology. Although not yet a finished medical product, the device requires further testing and regulatory approval before clinical use.

If successful, this technology could shift heart failure monitoring from periodic check-ups to continuous home observation, enabling timely medical intervention. The ultimate goal is to manage the disease more effectively, preventing severe episodes that necessitate emergency care.