HCA Healthcare UK is partnering with Danish medical technology company VentriJect to introduce a test that estimates cardiorespiratory fitness without requiring patients to exercise.
The provider will use VentriJect’s Seismofit device in selected appointments through its reAssure health screening programme.
Seismofit estimates VO2 max, which measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise.
It is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness, reflecting how effectively the heart, lungs and muscles work together to deliver and use oxygen during physical activity. Higher VO2 max levels generally indicate better cardiorespiratory fitness.
Traditional VO2 max tests typically require people to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while their oxygen consumption is measured.
Seismofit instead estimates the score while the patient is at rest, producing a result in under three minutes.
The device uses seismocardiography to detect tiny vibrations generated by the heart as it beats.
An AI algorithm analyses these signals to calculate an estimated VO2 max score, which is delivered through an app.
“Cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the most powerful predictors of long-term cardiovascular health, yet traditional VO2 max testing has historically been inaccessible to those unable to undergo intense, exhausting physical exertion,” said Dr Niaz Khan, Chief Clinical Officer at HCA Healthcare UK Primary Care.
The technology will be incorporated into selected packages within HCA Healthcare UK’s reAssure programme, which offers doctor-led health assessments covering areas including heart health, cancer risk and genetic testing.
Appointments last between 45 and 135 minutes, with patients receiving a personalised report based on their diagnostic results.
Clinicians will be able to consider estimated VO2 max alongside other health measures when advising patients.
VentriJect Chief Executive Mikkel Kristiansen said the partnership would support the company’s expansion in the UK and make its VO2 max estimation technology available to more people through HCA Healthcare UK’s screening centres.
Seismofit is already used across Europe, but the companies have not confirmed when the UK rollout will begin or which screening packages will include the test.
