Voice analysis technology developed by Israel-based Beyond Verbal can be used to identify the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) by establishing a strong correlation between certain voice characteristics and CAD.

A correlation established between certain voice characteristics and coronary artery disease may provide a new diagnostic tool for physicians.Results of a study conducted at the Mayo Clinic show that voice can be used as a biomarker for CAD, with certain sound characteristics pointing to the existence of the disease. The double-blind study included 120 patients referred for elective coronary angiography test and corresponding controls.

One voice feature was associated with a 19-fold increased likelihood of coronary artery disease. The strongest association between voice and CAD was observed when patients were requested to record their voice while describing a negative experience.

Beyond Verbal has already found voice signal characteristics that can be associated with various conditions such as autism and Parkinson’s. Now this technology may be of use in diagnosing CAD in patients, particularly in the setting of telemedicine.