In Germany, more than 70,000 strokes each year are caused by the heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation. In this condition, the atria of the heart beat irregularly, disrupting the proper flow of blood and allowing blood clots to form.
These clots can travel from the heart into the bloodstream and block vessels in the brain – resulting in a stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke
can appear suddenly and may include:
- Paralysis or severe abnormal sensations on one side of the body, especially one side of the face and/or one arm and/or leg
- Severe headache
- Speech disturbances
- Visual disturbances in one or both eyes
- Severe dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
A stroke is a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain. It can be caused either by a blockage in a blood vessel due to a blood clot (known as an “ischemic stroke”) or by bleeding in the brain (known as a “hemorrhagic stroke”). The resulting lack of oxygen and nutrients quickly leads to the death of brain cells.
The most common cause of a stroke is the sudden blockage of a blood vessel, observed in 8 out of 10 stroke patients. This type of ischemic stroke typically occurs when a small clot, originating from the heart (e.g., due to atrial fibrillation) or from the carotid artery, travels to the brain and blocks an artery. Arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients can also cause such blockages.
High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk. If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls and promote arteriosclerosis. As vessels lose elasticity with age, sudden spikes in blood pressure significantly increase the likelihood of a stroke. It is therefore strongly recommended to have your blood pressure checked regularly—or to monitor it yourself.
Unfortunately, stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability. This is why rapid treatment is critical—it can preserve brain tissue and reduce the extent of damage. Depending on the area of the brain affected, a stroke can impair functions such as consciousness, memory, speech, movement, vision, and sensory perception. As a result, many stroke patients may require ongoing assistance with eating, mobility, and daily hygiene.
What are the benefits of myritmo?
myritmo enables state-of-the-art stroke prevention.
It is a premium, certified medical device:
It is a premium, certified medical device:
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A fully functional 3-channel ECG – developed by doctors for your needs
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Your personal report is medically reviewed and assessed by an experienced cardiologist
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No waiting time – no referral – no cables
DGerman Medical Device – Comprehensive Report – Immediate Medical Consultation
Your result within 48 hours*
Medically reviewed by a cardiologist
Optional: consultation with a physician
Every Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
If a stroke is suspected, immediate medical attention is critical, as the window for effective treatment lasts only a few hours. The optimal care is provided in specialized stroke units.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Germany after heart attacks. Yet many strokes could be prevented through regular screening. One of the most important risk factors, atrial fibrillation, can be reliably detected through a long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) – and effectively treated with blood-thinning medication (not aspirin!). The mini long-term ECG device ritmo was developed precisely for this purpose.
ritmo is a full-featured 3-lead ECG. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the device operates entirely without cables and is no larger than a passport photo. Developed by leading cardiologists in Germany, it is a certified medical device and was awarded the German Medical Award 2021 for the most innovative product of the year.
Since atrial fibrillation often occurs in episodes rather than continuously, ritmo records your heart activity for 72 hours – instead of the standard 24 hours – enabling a much more comprehensive analysis of your heart rhythm. The evaluation of the data is supported by AI-based software and reviewed by our cardiologists.
Your Smartwatch Sent You an Alert?
We Provide Clarity.
Your smartwatch has detected a heart rhythm disturbance. Now what?
That’s exactly why we developed CardioCheck by myritmo. Simply forward your ECG recording from your device via email to cardio@myritmo.en – and you’ll receive your medically validated results from a specialist as early as the next business day.
