How Google Expanded AFib Detection To More Fitbit Wearables
Google recently announced that atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection would soon become available on more Fitbit devices, a remarkable achievement since only two of these wearables have electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors. AFib is an irregular heart rhythm that could indicate a problem that needs to be checked out by a doctor. In some cases, early detection of AFib can save lives, so it's a vital health feature.
A study that Fitbit began in 2020, which could allow AFib detection on a wide range of wearables, has been completed, and the results show a high level of accuracy. The fantastic thing is that the devices used only the PPG (photoplethysmogram) heart rate sensors for detection instead of the more expensive ECG sensor. The Fitbit wearables tested in the original study include the Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Versa, Charge 3, Charge 4 and Inspire HR.
Related: How To Record An ECG With Fitbit Charge 5 And Sense
A recent Google blog post shared that Fitbit has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring AFib detection to more Fitbit devices, even some models that don't have ECG capability. Here's how that works. With every heartbeat, blood vessels throughout the body expand and contract to respond to changes in blood flow and volume. Compatible Fitbit PPG heart-rate sensors can send light pulses to read the reflected light, detecting these blood volume changes in the wearer's wrist. By analyzing these signals, the user's heart rhythm can be determined. Fitbit's detection algorithm can compare the results to normal heart rhythm to identify irregularities and potential signs of atrial fibrillation. This is done overnight, which is the ideal time to perform this measurement.
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