Patients
Together against stroke
A stroke is a “sudden circulatory disturbance” that can result in serious and permanent consequential damage: the death of brain tissue can lead to paralysis, speech disorders and even death. Early detection of risk factors and rapid initiation of therapy are extremely important. The number one risk factor and most common cause of stroke is the cardiac arrhythmia referred to as atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the heart beating with an irregular rhythm. This can lead to blood clots in the heart, which are then carried into the brain via the bloodstream and clog blood vessels there. Most patients experience atrial fibrillation in the form of attacks. Referred to as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, it occurs episodically and then disappears. This peculiarity makes it very difficult to detect.
Approximately 1.5 to 2 million people in Germany suffer from atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder.
Source: Deutsche Herzstiftung (2022)
20% of all strokes are due to atrial fibrillation.
Source: Deutsche Herzstiftung (2021)
A stroke due to atrial fibrillation occurs almost every 10 minutes in Germany.
Source: www.vorhofflimmern.de (2021)
Risk Factors
The following risk factors favor the development of atrial fibrillation:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disease. The body's own insulin cannot be processed properly. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels.
Overweight
Patients are classified as being overweight once their BMI is above 31.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is avascular system disease. It can lead to organ damage.
Smoking
Smoking can double the risk of stroke.
Heavy/ frequent alcohol consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to elevated blood pressure in addition to causing the heart condition called atrial fibrillation.
Am I a high-risk patient?
Test your risk level
What next?
You are a patient at risk
You are a patient at risk and are wondering what you can do? We asked ourselves the same question and developed the SRA®+ software, which you can use to find out from your trusted doctor whether you really do have atrial fibrillation or are at increased risk.
What is SRA®?
SRA® stands for Stroke Risk Analysis and is an innovative service that examines your ECG data for irregularities to determine whether you have atrial fibrillation or an increased likelihood of developing the condition.
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