The innovative Spanish project that could prevent a heart attack

Ischemic heart disease (heart attack of myocardium and angina pectoris) is the leading cause of death in the world, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Specifically, last year they died from this disease More than nine million people worldwide, representing 10% of deaths worldwide. In addition, in our country 120,000 people suffered a ictus in 2018. A new draft 'made in Spain' could have the key to avoid these two pathologies.
This is Rithmi, a non-invasive smart bracelet that prevents stroke and takes care of the heart. He device is able to detect atrial fibrillations, even the silent ones (those that do not have symptoms), to be able to act quickly in the treatment and help avoid strokes. The result of this project, which has been generated in Spain, is the first device on the market that monitors the patient for 24 hours a day.
The technology used uses a registration system based on a sensor that measure the intensity of light reflected by the surface of the skin and the red blood cells below to determine the blood volume at each moment. With this data you can determine when each heart beat occurs. This, together with the development of an own algorithm capable of detecting possible arrhythmias, allows a very precise monitoring of the user's cardiac health.
A smart bracelet that detects atrial fibrillations, even those that have no symptoms, to be able to treat them quickly
The device is the fruit of the union of ICT entrepreneurs, arrhythmia experts and cardiologists. His concern to continue advancing on the path of cardiovascular disease prevention has materialized in this bracelet and an app for mobile from which the user can observe how his body is working.
The device has been devised and developed 100% in the Valencian Community. After conducting control tests with patients at the Hospital La Fe in Valencia, their release to the market is estimated this year and their plans to make the international leap are planned for 2020. To carry it out they have received support from universities, medical institutions, The European Commission and, currently, are finalists of the Mapfre Foundation Awards for Social Innovation.
Pathologies difficult to diagnose
In the population there are between 1 and 2% of people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and of these, half will suffer some new arrhythmia episode. In addition, the latest medical studies in this regard conclude that four out of ten people over 50 will suffer an episode of atrial fibrillation throughout their lives.
In these pathologies, often difficult diagnosis, the reaction time is key and have reliable data identifying the symptoms. One in three strokes is due to atrial fibrillation, which detected by this device and treated urgently, can save the user's life.
Spanish innovation is an alternative to other complex data measurement systems, such as the electrocardiography holter, which requires to be connected to uncomfortable sensors and cables with a limited time of 24 to 48 hours. The new bracelet is a method of self-control, which can be used at any time and place permanently.