WO2020185151A1

WO2020185151A1 - Evaluating parameter value based on phonocardiogram data and electrocardiogram data

Info

Publication number: WO2020185151A1
Application number: PCT/SE2020/050259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus Samuelsson; Philip SIBERG
Original assignee: Coala-Life Ab
Priority date: 2019-03-13
Filing date: 2020-03-10
Publication date: 2020-09-17

Abstract

It is provided a method for analysing heart data of a heart of a user. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart; obtaining electrocardiogram data; deriving at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value; evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values; storing the at least one derived parameter value; and repeating the steps of obtaining phonocardiogram data, obtaining electrocardiogram data, deriving a measurement, evaluating and storing the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

Description

EVALUATING PARAMETER VALUE BASED ON PHONOCARDIOGRAM DATA AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAM DATA

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, an analysis device, a computer program and a computer program product analysing phonocardiogram (PCG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) data from a portable sensor device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] ECG is an established technology where electric signals generated by the body of a patient are measured and analysed. Traditionally, a number of electrodes are placed on the body at various places. A conductive gel is used to provide better conductive contact between the electrode and the skin. The patient typically lies down for several minutes when the ECG is taken. The electric data captured using the electrodes is recorded and can be analysed by a medical professional, such as a physician or trained nurse. Once the measurement procedure is done, the conductive gel is wiped off.

[0003] While having proved useful, the traditional way of obtaining an ECG is not optimal in all cases. For instance, such an ECG needs to be measured in a clinic and the procedure is messy for the patient.

[0004] Lately, portable sensor devices with integral electrodes for obtaining ECG data have been developed. These portable sensor devices allow users to capture ECG data at will and also without the use of conductive gel. This gives the user greater control over when to capture ECG data and also in a much more convenient and less messy way. There are portable devices which, in addition to capturing ECG data, also capture sound data, known as phonocardiogram (PCG) data.

[0005] However, the evaluation of ECG data and/ or PCG data is time consuming for medical professionals. The value ranges indicating normal and abnormal conditions, which can be applied for data values to indicate when further investigation is needed. However, such value ranges result in too many false positives as well too many false negatives of when further investigation of the heart is needed. SUMMARY

[0006] One objective is to provide a personalised system for flagging up a heart condition which needs further examination.

[0007] According to a first aspect, it is provided a method for analysing heart data of a heart of a user. The method is performed in an analysis device and comprises the steps of: obtaining phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device; obtaining electrocardiogram data, based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device, wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time; deriving at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value; evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values; storing the at least one derived parameter value; and repeating the steps of obtaining phonocardiogram data, obtaining electrocardiogram data, deriving a measurement, evaluating and storing the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

[0008] The method may further comprise the step of: obtaining a heart rate value. In this case, the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value comprises comparing the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values; and the step of storing the at least one derived parameter value comprises storing the at least one derived parameter value and the heart rate value in association with each other.

[0009] The stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values may define a curve, in which case the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value comprises evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to the curve.

[0010] In the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value, the phrase “differs significantly” is defined as a difference greater than a threshold from a mean of the previously stored corresponding parameter values. [oon] The threshold may be defined by a constant multiplied with a standard deviation of the previously stored corresponding parameter values.

[0012] At least one parameter value may comprise a parameter value based on a first duration defined as a duration between an electrocardiogram Q peak and an Si sound of the phonocardiogram data, wherein the Q peak is the downward deflection of the electrocardiogram immediately preceding the ventricular contraction and Si reflects mitral valve closure.

[0013] The at least one parameter value may comprise a parameter value based on a second duration defined as a duration between the Si sound of the phonocardiogram data and an S2 sound of the phonocardiogram data, wherein the S2 sound reflects aortic valve closure.

[0014] The at least one parameter value may comprise a parameter value based on a third duration defined as a duration between the electrocardiogram Q peak and an S2 sound of the phonocardiogram data.

[0015] According to a second aspect, it is provided an analysis device for analysing heart data of a heart of a user. The analysis device comprises: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the analysis device to: obtain phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device; obtain electrocardiogram data, based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device, wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time; derive at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value; evaluate the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values; store the at least one derived parameter value; and repeat the instructions to obtain phonocardiogram data, obtain electrocardiogram data, derive a measurement, evaluate and store the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements. [0016] According to a third aspect, it is provided a computer program for analysing heart data of a heart of a user. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when run on an analysis device causes the analysis device to: obtain phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device; obtain electrocardiogram data, based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device, wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time; derive at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value; evaluate the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values; store the at least one derived parameter value; and repeat the computer program code to obtain phonocardiogram data, obtain electrocardiogram data, derive a measurement, evaluate and store the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect, it is provided a computer program product comprising a computer program according to the third aspect and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

[0018] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Aspects and embodiments are now described, by way of example, with refer ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figs lA-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied; [0021] Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating when the portable sensor device is used to capture measurements for ECG;

[0022] Figs 3A-3B are schematic diagrams of views illustrating a physical

representation of the portable sensor device according to one embodiment;

[0023] Fig 4 is a schematic graph illustrating how phonocardiogram data and electrocardiogram data can be used according to some embodiments;

[0024] Fig 5 is a schematic graph illustrating a curve of parameter values according to one embodiment;

[0025] Fig 6 is a flow chart illustrating embodiments of methods for analysing heart data of a user, the methods being performed in the analysis device of Figs lA-B;

[0026] Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the analysis device of Figs lA-B according to one embodiment;

[0027] Fig 8 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain

embodiments of the invention are shown. These aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, these

embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of all aspects of invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0029] According to embodiments presented herein, parameter values are derived based on both ECG data and PCG data. These parameter values are stored for the user and, eventually, a large number of parameter values are accumulated. Each time a new parameter value is derived, it is evaluated with regard to the already stored parameter values. When the new parameter value deviates significantly, this is flagged up to indicate that the heart is considered to need further examination. Since the evaluation is based on data related to the user in question, the evaluation is automatically personalised for that user. Furthermore, by using a portable device for data acquisition, it is easier to accumulate a large amount of samples, which improves accuracy and ability to find deviations.

[0030] Figs lA-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied.

[0031] Looking first to Fig lA, it is here shown a user 5 carrying a portable sensor device 2 in a necklace strap. The portable sensor device can be carried in any other way, e.g. in a pocket or in a handbag. The user 5 also carries a smartphone 7 e.g. in a pocket. The portable sensor device 2 and the smartphone 7 can communicate over any suitable wireless interface, e.g. using Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, any of the IEEE 802. nx standards (also known as WiFi), etc.

[0032] The smartphone 7 is also connected to a wide area network 6, such as the Internet, e.g. via WiFi or a cellular network, to allow communication with an analysis device 1, here in the form of a server. The portable sensor device 2 captures

electrocardiogram (ECG) data and phonocardiogram (PCG) data and sends this data, via the smartphone 7, to the analysis device 1. This allows the analysis device 1 to determine whether the heart of the user 5 can be considered to be in a normal state or whether the heart needs further examination based on the PCG data and the ECG data captured by the portable sensor device 2. Further investigation can be determined to be needed e.g. if captured PCG and ECG data result in parameter values which deviate significantly from corresponding historical values for the user 5. It is to be noted that even if further investigation is to be performed, the heart can in fact be normal, i.e. non- pathological.

[0033] In Fig lB, the smartphone 7 contains the analysis device 1. In this way, the analysis can be performed locally, without the need for immediate access to the wide area network.

[0034] Alternatively, the analysis device can form part of the portable sensor device 2 (not shown). In such a case, the portable sensor 2 can optionally also perform the functions of the smartphone 7. [0035] Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating when the portable sensor device 2 of Fig 1 is used to capture measurements for ECG and for PCG. In order to capture measurements for ECG and for PCG, the portable sensor device 2 is placed on the skin of the body 9 of the user, close to the heart of the user. The user holds the portable sensor device 2 in place using a hand 3. It is to be noted that there are no loose electrodes needed for the ECG measurement. Instead, the electrodes (as shown in Fig 3A and described below) are provided integral to the portable sensor device 2. Hence, the measurement for the ECG is captured simply by the user holding the portable sensor device 2 in contact with the skin of the body 9. Moreover, the PCG measurements can be performed concurrently with the ECG measurements. In this way, the ECG and the PCG for the same time can be analysed to improve analysis capabilities of the state of the heart of the user.

[0036] Figs 3A-3B are schematic diagrams of views illustrating a physical

representation of the portable sensor device 2 of Fig 1 according to one embodiment.

[0037] In Fig 3A, a bottom view of the portable sensor device 2 is shown. There are a first electrode 10a, a second electrode 10b and a third electrode 10c. In order to capture the ECG data, the electrodes loa-c are provided on the casing of the portable sensor device 2 such that when the user places the portable sensor device 2 on the skin, all electrodes loa-c are in contact with the skin. It is to be noted that the portable sensor device 2 could also be provided with two electrodes, four electrodes or any other suitable number of electrodes, as long as there are at least two electrodes. Using the electrodes, one or more analogue ECG signals are captured. The analogue ECG signals are converted to digital ECG signals using an analogue to digital (A/D) converter. The digital ECG signal is then sent to the analysis device for analysis together with the PCG signal.

[0038] Additionally, a transducer 8, e.g. in the form of a microphone, is provided to convert sound captured by the body into electric analogue PCG signals. The microphone can e.g. be an air coupled microphone, contact microphone or accelerometer. The analogue PCG signals are converted to digital PCG signals using an A/D converter. The digital PCG signal is then sent to the analysis device for analysis together with the ECG signal [0039] In Fig 3B, a top view of the portable sensor device 2 is shown. Here, a user interface element 4 in form of a push button is shown. The push button can e.g. be used by the user to indicate when to start a measurement of ECG data and PCG data. It is to be noted that other user interface elements can be provided (not shown), e.g. more push buttons, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a display, a touch screen, a speaker, a user microphone, etc.

[0040] Fig 4 is a schematic graph illustrating how PCG data and ECG data can be used according to some embodiment. Both ECG data 20 and PCG data 21 are shown, along a common timeline from left to right. There are two full cardiac cycles shown in Fig 4.

[0041] The ECG elements P, Q, R, S and T, known in the art per se, are indicated in the ECG data 20. The P curve is the atrial systole contraction pulse. Q is the downward deflection of the ECG immediately preceding the ventricular contraction. R is the peak of the ventricular contraction. S is the downward deflection immediately after the ventricular contraction. The T curve is the recovery of the ventricles.

[0042] The heart sounds Si and S2, known in the art per se, are indicated in the PCG data 21. Si indicates when the mitral valve closes and S2 indicates when the aortic valve closes.

[0043] A first duration 11 is defined as a duration between the ECG Q peak and the Si sound of the PCG data. The point in time of the Si sound which is used for the duration is not important, as long as the point in time is used consistently. For instance, the point in time of the Si sound can be defined as the beginning of the Si sound. The first duration 11 indicates how quickly the heart muscles contract. Generally, a shorter first duration indicates a heart in better condition.

[0044] A second duration 12 is defined as a duration between the Si sound of the PCG data and the S2 sound of the PCG data. As for Si, the point in time of the S2 sound which is used for the duration is not important, as long as the point in time is used consistently. For instance, the point in time of the S2 sound can be defined as the beginning of the S2 sound. The second duration 12 indicates for how long blood is pumped into the aorta from the heart. Generally, a longer second duration indicates a heart in better condition. Although, it is not a good situation if the second duration is extremely long.

[0045] A third duration 13 is defined as a duration between the ECG Q peak and the S2 sound of the PCG data.

[0046] Fig 5 is a schematic graph illustrating a curve 32 of parameter values according to one embodiment. The x axis 30 indicates heart rate and the y axis 31 indicates a parameter value. A number of samples 35 are plotted in the graph. Each sample 35 is defined by its heart rate value and associated parameter value. The parameter value can be any one of the parameter values mentioned below with reference to the derive step 44. A curve 32 can be fit to the samples 35 using any suitable curve fitting technique as known in the art per se.

[0047] Fig 6 is a flow chart illustrating embodiments of methods for analysing heart data of a heart of a user. The method is performed in the analysis device of Figs lA-B.

[0048] In an obtain PCG data step 40, PCG data is obtained from a portable sensor device. As explained above, the PCG data represents audio data of activities of the heart. The PCG data can be the digital PCG signals described above. The PCG data can be received from the portable measurement device.

[0049] In an obtain ECG data step 42, ECG data is obtained from the portable sensor device. As explained above, the ECG data is based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user. The ECG data corresponds to the PCG data in time. The ECG data can be the digital ECG data described above. The ECG data can be received from the portable measurement device.

[0050] In a derive step 44, the analysis device derives at least one parameter value. Each parameter value is based on timings in both the PCG data and the ECG data. This yields at least one derived parameter value. The timings can be start and end points of durations as exemplified below.

[0051] The at least one parameter value can comprise a parameter value based on a first duration defined as a duration between an ECG Q peak and an Si sound of the PCG data (see Fig 4). As mentioned above, the Q peak is the downward deflection of the ECG immediately preceding the ventricular contraction and Si reflects mitral valve closure. [0052] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one parameter value can comprise a parameter value based on a second duration defined as a duration between the Si sound of the PCG data and an S2 sound of the PCG data. As mentioned above, the S2 sound reflects aortic valve closure.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one parameter value can comprise a parameter value based on a third duration defined as a duration between the ECG Q peak and an S2 sound of the PCG data, wherein the S2 sound reflects aortic valve closure.

[0054] Optionally, a composite parameter value can be calculated based on several other parameter values. For instance, a parameter value can be calculated as a quote (or difference) between two of the durations mentioned above, such as the first duration divided by the second duration.

[0055] In an optional obtain heart rate step 45, the analysis device obtains a heart rate value. The heart rate value can e.g. be derived from the ECG data or the PCG data, based on the time between (corresponding events of) heart cycles. Optionally, the heart rate is averaged over the last n heart cycles.

[0056] In an evaluate step 46, the analysis device evaluates the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values.

Corresponding is here to be construed as parameter values indicating the same quantity (i.e. type of parameter value) for the same user. The analysis device determines that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values. In other words, the method flags up a situation which needs to be evaluated further when a deviation is identified, allowing a quicker medical response when needed, compared to the prior art, thereby significantly improving patient outcome in the case of a heart problem, e.g. a looming heart failure.

[0057] When step 45 is performed, this step comprises comparing the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values. In one embodiment, the stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values define a curve (see Fig 5). In such a case, this step comprises evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to the curve.

[0058] The phrase“differs significantly” can be defined as a difference greater than a threshold from a mean of the previously stored corresponding parameter values. In one embodiment, the threshold is defined by a constant (integer or non-integer) multiplied with a standard deviation (SD) of the previously stored corresponding parameter values, e.g. 1 SD, 2 SD, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment, artificial intelligence is applied for evaluating the derived parameter value, which can be used to indicate a preliminary diagnose of the user.

[0060] In a store step 48, the analysis device stores the at least one derived parameter value. The stored derived parameter value is then used as a corresponding parameter value for subsequent iterations of step 46. When step 45 is performed, this step comprises storing the at least one derived parameter value and the heart rate value in association with each other, corresponding to a sample in the plot of Fig 5.

[0061] After step 48, the method returns to step 40. Each iteration of the method results in a new stored derived parameter value.

[0062] Optionally, stored parameter values are deleted when they have been stored longer than a threshold time, or deleted (oldest values first) once a certain number of stored parameter values have been reached.

[0063] Optionally, a certain number of measurements over time can be animated on a user interface to a medical professional or the user, to thereby clearer indicate progression of the current heart condition.

[0064] The presented embodiments have been found to be particularly suited to find left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which is an indicator of heart failure.

[0065] Using the embodiments presented herein, heart conditions can be followed in a personalised and convenient manner. Since the evaluation is based on data related to the user in question, the evaluation is automatically personalised for that user.

Furthermore, by using a portable device for data acquisition, it is easier to accumulate a large amount of samples, since the data acquisition can occur by the user in the home, without the need to visit a clinic. This improves accuracy and ability to find deviations.

It would be virtually impossible to obtain the same number of measurements in a clinical environment unless the user is admitted as an inpatient for an extended period.

[0066] When the measurements are associated with heart rate, the function of the heart under various activity levels is considered and evaluated appropriately. Such an evaluation is also much more difficult to achieve in a clinical context.

[0067] It has been found that the embodiments presented herein indicate heart failure much quicker than any way known in the art. Moreover, since the evaluation can be based on measurements over a long period of time, when the heart function deteriorates for a user, this is accurately identified and flagged up for further

investigation.

[0068] The embodiments presented herein can also be applied for clinical trials of pharmaceuticals.

[0069] Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the analysis device 1 of Fig 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figs lA-B, the analysis device can be implemented as part of a server or as part of a user device, such as a smartphone or alternatively as part of the portable sensor device. A processor 60 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit etc., capable of executing software instructions 67 stored in a memory 64, which can thus be a computer program product. The processor 60 can be configured to execute the method described with reference to Figs 6A-B below.

[0070] The memory 64 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory 64 also comprises persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

[0071] A data memory 66 is also provided for reading and/ or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 60. The data memory 66 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). [0072] The analysis device 1 further comprises an I/O interface 62 for communicating with other external entities, such as the smartphone 7 of the user using Internet Protocol (IP) over the wide area network 6.

[0073] Other components of the analysis device are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein

[0074] Fig 8 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means. On this computer readable means a computer program 91 can be stored, which computer program can cause a processor to execute a method according to embodiments described herein. In this example, the computer program product is an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc. As explained above, the computer program product could also be embodied in a memory of a device, such as the computer program product 64 of Figs 7. While the computer program 91 is here schematically shown as a track on the depicted optical disk, the computer program can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product, such as a removable solid state memory, e.g. a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive.

[0075] Here now follows a list of embodiments from another perspective,

enumerated with roman numerals.

[0076] i. A method for analysing heart data of a heart of a user, the method being performed in an analysis device and comprising the steps of:

obtaining phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device;

obtaining electrocardiogram data, based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device, wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time;

deriving at least one parameter value based on timings in both the

phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value;

evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values; storing the at least one derived parameter value; and

repeating the steps of obtaining phonocardiogram data, obtaining

electrocardiogram data, deriving a measurement, evaluating and storing the

measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

[0077] ii. The method according to embodiment i, further comprising the step of: obtaining a heart rate value;

and wherein the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value comprises comparing the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values; and the step of storing the at least one derived parameter value comprises storing the at least one derived parameter value and the heart rate value in association with each other.

[0078] iii. The method according to embodiment ii, wherein the stored

corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values define a curve and the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value comprises evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to the curve.

[0079] iv. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein in the step of evaluating the at least one derived parameter value, differs significantly is defined as a difference greater than a threshold from a mean of the previously stored corresponding parameter values.

[0080] v. The method according to embodiment iv, wherein the threshold is defined by a constant multiplied with a standard deviation of the previously stored corresponding parameter values.

[0081] vi. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a first duration defined as a duration between an electrocardiogram Q peak and an Si sound of the phonocardiogram data, wherein the Q peak is the downward deflection of the electrocardiogram immediately preceding the ventricular contraction and Si reflects mitral valve closure. [0082] vii. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a second duration defined as a duration between the Si sound of the phonocardiogram data and an S2 sound of the phonocardiogram data, wherein the S2 sound reflects aortic valve closure.

[0083] viii. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a third duration defined as a duration between the electrocardiogram Q peak and an S2 sound of the phonocardiogram data.

[0084] ix. An analysis device for analysing heart data of a heart of a user, the analysis device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the analysis device to:

obtain phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device;

obtain electrocardiogram data, based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device, wherein the

electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time;

derive at least one parameter value based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value; evaluate the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values;

store the at least one derived parameter value; and

repeat the instructions to obtain phonocardiogram data, obtain electrocardiogram data, derive a measurement, evaluate and store the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

[0085] x. A computer program for analysing heart data of a heart of a user, the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on an analysis device causes the analysis device to: obtain phonocardiogram data, representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device;

electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time;

store the at least one derived parameter value; and

repeat the computer program code to obtain phonocardiogram data, obtain electrocardiogram data, derive a measurement, evaluate and store the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

[0086] xi. A computer program product comprising a computer program

according to embodiment x and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

[0087] The aspects of the present disclosure have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for analysing heart data of a heart of a user (5), the method being performed in an analysis device (1) and comprising the steps of:

obtaining (40) phonocardiogram data (21), representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device (2);

obtaining (42) electrocardiogram data (20), based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device (2), wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time; deriving (44) at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value;

evaluating (46) the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values;

storing (48) the at least one derived parameter value; and

repeating the steps of obtaining (40) phonocardiogram data, obtaining (42) electrocardiogram data, deriving (44) a measurement, evaluating (46) and storing (48) the measurement, to thereby obtain a plurality of stored measurements.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

obtaining (45) a heart rate value;

and wherein the step of evaluating (46) the at least one derived parameter value comprises comparing the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values; and the step of storing (48) the at least one derived parameter value comprises storing (48) the at least one derived parameter value and the heart rate value in association with each other.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the stored corresponding parameter values and respectively associated heart rate values define a curve and the step of evaluating (46) the at least one derived parameter value comprises evaluating the at least one derived parameter value in relation to the curve.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of evaluating (46) the at least one derived parameter value, differs significantly is defined as a difference greater than a threshold from a mean of the previously stored

corresponding parameter values.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the threshold is defined by a constant multiplied with a standard deviation of the previously stored corresponding parameter values.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a first duration (11) defined as a duration between an electrocardiogram Q peak and an Si sound of the

phonocardiogram data, wherein the Q peak is the downward deflection of the

electrocardiogram immediately preceding the ventricular contraction and Si reflects mitral valve closure.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a second duration (12) defined as a duration between the Si sound of the phonocardiogram data and an S2 sound of the phonocardiogram data, wherein the S2 sound reflects aortic valve closure.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter value comprises a parameter value based on a third duration (13) defined as a duration between the electrocardiogram Q peak and an S2 sound of the

phonocardiogram data.

9. An analysis device (1) for analysing heart data of a heart of a user (5), the analysis device (1) comprising:

a processor (60); and

a memory (64) storing instructions (67) that, when executed by the processor, cause the analysis device (1) to:

obtain phonocardiogram data (21), representing audio data of activities of the heart, from a portable sensor device (2);

obtain electrocardiogram data (20), based on electrical signals measured by electrodes placed on the body of the user, from the portable sensor device (2), wherein the electrocardiogram data corresponds to the phonocardiogram data in time;

derive at least one parameter value, wherein each parameter value is based on timings in both the phonocardiogram data and the electrocardiogram data, yielding at least one derived parameter value;

evaluate the at least one derived parameter value in relation to previously stored corresponding parameter values and determining that the heart is considered to need further examination when at least one of the at least one derived parameter value differs significantly from the previously stored corresponding parameter values;

store the at least one derived parameter value; and

10. A computer program (67, 91) for analysing heart data of a heart of a user (5), the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on an analysis device (1) causes the analysis device (1) to:

store the at least one derived parameter value; and

11. A computer program product (64, 90) comprising a computer program according to claim 10 and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.