Google today announced that Fitbit’s irregular heart rhythm notifications feature has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Google’s new PPG AFib algorithm can passively analyze your heart rhythm in the background and can notify you if AFib symptoms are found in the data. Using the collected data, you can consult your healthcare provider for further assessment to prevent medical event such as stroke.
Here’s how Google’s algorithm works:
When your heart beats, tiny blood vessels throughout your body expand and contract based on changes in blood volume. Fitbit’s PPG optical heart-rate sensor can detect these volume changes right from your wrist. These measurements determine your heart rhythm, which the detection algorithm then analyzes for irregularities and potential signs of atrial fibrillation.
Thanks to the FDA clearance, this new PPG-based algorithm and Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature will soon be available to Fitbit consumers in the U.S.
