STRIVE-ACS: Smarter ECGs for Heart Attack Care

STRIVE-ACS is a public-private partnership between UMC Utrecht, Catharina Hospital, Cordys Analytics, and AZNconnect, aiming to transform the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the Netherlands. The project will develop, validate, and prepare for implementation AI-powered ECG tools that support early risk identification, accurate triage, and personalised follow-up for patients with (suspected) heart attacks.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the Netherlands, with ACS representing one of the most urgent and impactful presentations. Early detection and rapid, tailored care are essential to reduce mortality, improve outcomes, and limit healthcare costs. While the ECG is a widely available and low-cost diagnostic tool, its full potential is not yet realised. Recent advances in artificial intelligence offer the opportunity to extract more information from ECGs, supporting better clinical decision-making throughout the ACS care pathway.

STRIVE-ACS will develop and validate AI models for three key stages: (1) identifying individuals at risk for ACS (pre-ACS), (2) triage and diagnosis during the acute event in ambulances and hospitals (peri-ACS), and (3) monitoring and risk prediction after myocardial infarction (post-ACS). The project will use large Dutch datasets, test the models in real-world settings, and integrate them into existing digital infrastructures. The approach includes collaboration with clinicians, IT partners, and regulatory experts to ensure clinical relevance and compliance.

The main deliverables are validated, ready-for-implementation AI-ECG tools for ACS care, clinical validation reports, and integration blueprints for healthcare IT systems. These results will enable earlier interventions, more efficient care, and improved outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndromes, strengthening the Dutch MedTech ecosystem.