Czech Innovators Take on Arrhythmia: Meet the Game-Changing Startup!
Imagine being able to stop a significant number of deaths caused by heart-related issues simply by using an easy app!
Kardi Ai is here to make that a reality: it aids in monitoring arrhythmia, a heart condition that, while not immediately life-threatening, can lead to severe health problems like strokes and heart attacks over time.
Kardi AI is a relatively new venture, founded by a cardiology professor and his neighbor. The catalyst for their collaboration occurred when the neighbor shared his frustrations about wearing a bulky holter monitor designed to detect arrhythmia— a cumbersome device that restricts mobility. Additionally, the holter sometimes fails to accurately record episodes of arrhythmia.
Measurements on the Go
The answer that this unexpected partnership devised is very much in tune with modern technology, as explained by Kardi Ai CEO Vlastimil Hrabal during an interview.
By subscribing to Kardi Ai’s service, users gain access to a smartphone app and receive a belt sent to them. This belt is secured around the chest and functions as a portable ECG, specifically designed to measure arrhythmia— and nothing else. Unlike a traditional ECG, it is unable to detect heart attacks or similar conditions.
Kardi Ai operates on a subscription model, which costs 5,000 Kc for one year of service that includes the belt. The belt is built to be durable, but in case of any malfunction, it will be replaced at no charge. Presently, Kardi Ai has 2,000 users in the Czech Republic, with most of them wearing the belt every other day for several hours. It’s typically used during the daytime while individuals are active, but it can also be utilized at night— a significant benefit compared to the traditional holter monitor.
While the belt is in use, it continuously monitors heart activity, and the built-in AI will notify users through a color-coded system. A green signal indicates that everything is functioning normally, yellow suggests that potential issues have been detected but further measurements are required, while dark orange implies that a consultation with a cardiologist may be wise. Hrabal notes that the initial color was red, similar to a traffic light, but this was changed due to concerns from the local regulatory body that it could cause unnecessary alarm.
When you receive your report, your doctor also gets a version of it, although theirs contains more detailed information. If the doctor concludes that a consultation is necessary or if an emergency arises, they will reach out to you. However, it is important to note that using the belt does not require a doctor’s guidance, and some customers choose to use it without professional supervision.
Detecting Arrhythmia
Since its launch, Kardi AI has been able to identify arrhythmia in 29% of users, which significantly exceeds the detection rates typically observed with ECGs in hospital settings. According to Hrabal, this higher rate is largely due to the fact that arrhythmia often doesn’t exhibit symptoms, leading many individuals to miss out on timely detection of episodes. Hrabal asserts that approximately 230 instances of serious arrhythmia have been identified— cases that might have resulted in fatalities.
These impressive results have drawn attention from many healthcare professionals. Currently, the company collaborates with 130 cardiologists and has partnered with EUC clinics and the IKEM cardiology center. Private insurance companies recognize the significant potential, and Hrabal mentions that several have expressed interest, along with banks that aim to promote a healthy workforce.
At the time of writing, 99% of Kardi AI’s users are based in Czechia. However, the company is actively testing in Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, with plans for expansion later this year. Hrabal is optimistic that more healthcare professionals, insurers, and employers will join the initiative, propelling the fight against arrhythmia into a promising new era.
