After a first test at the pharmacy in Nogent-le-Phaye (Eure-et-Loir) launched in June 2024, the “MyDiagnostick”, a device developed by the Dutch company of the same name, is now accessible in 22 pharmacies in the Chartres area. . This device detects atrial heart rhythm disturbances, a key indicator of stroke risk. If an anomaly is detected, the patient receives a letter intended for their doctor or cardiologist, in order to confirm the diagnosis and then, if necessary, to begin treatment.
Although still little used in France, this device already benefits from scientific validation abroad. But also the approval of several cardiologists in France. “This test has been approved by the Chartres hospital (Eure-et-Loir) after a successful experiment at Arcachon hospital (Gironde). We also mobilized a medical network to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of this approach,” explains Éric Morin, member of the Lions Club Chartres Doyen and instigator of the project.
The operation of the device is particularly intuitive. “You just need to hold this device, which looks like an athletic indicator, in your hands for a minute. It then analyzes the heart pulsations, and detects possible irregularities linked to atrial rhythm disorders,” describes Christèle Binet, whose pharmacy in Nogent-le-Phaye hosted the first six months of testing of the device in the department. “With a single device, multiple patients can be tested quickly,” she adds. “This makes it possible to meet the needs in medically under-resourced areas while relieving congestion in medical practices. »
To avoid complications or even death
In Nogent-le-Phaye, nearly 90 people took the test during the pilot phase. “Four positive cases were detected and referred to a specialist, while identifying a few false positives, which are also taken into account in the analysis of the results,” explains Christèle Binet.
The Chartres hospital also used this device on World Stroke Day, October 29, 2024. Of the patients tested that day, five positive cases were identified. Asked about the future of this approach, Christèle Binet is optimistic: “We want this test to be offered in a sustainable way in the long term. This could become an additional service for pharmacies, while strengthening stroke prevention. »
Free for the moment, this test is particularly useful for people over 65, who are more exposed to the risk of stroke. “Detecting heart rhythm disorders early enough helps avoid serious complications, even death or lasting disability,” recalls Éric Morin.
