Using a smartphone app to find heart rhythm problems and prevent stroke

This trial is testing a smartphone app called Pulskontrolle that uses your phone's camera to check for an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is common in older adults, often goes undetected, and greatly increases the risk of stroke. The study wants to see whether regular screening with this app — and getting treatment if atrial fibrillation is found — can prevent strokes better than standard care alone.

Many older adults have atrial fibrillation without knowing it, which puts them at serious risk for stroke. While this app has shown promise in detecting the condition, researchers don't yet know whether catching it early through digital screening actually prevents strokes and improves health outcomes in real-world settings.