Fitbit, owned by Google, has developed technology that will help monitor your heartbeat and detect potential problems.

Here’s what that means and how it will impact Fitbit users.

Fitbit’s AFib Detection Algorithm Wins FDA Approval

According to heart.org, Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Fitbit has developed a new algorithm that will let you know if you have AFib. According to Google’s blog, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved its new AFib detection algorithm, called the PPG algorithm.

PPG stands for Photoplethysmography, which detects changes in blood volume circulation by taking optical measurements on your skin’s surface.

The algorithm was developed using the Fitbit Heart Study data, which launched in 2020 and enrolled 455,699 participants over five months. According to Fitbit, the algorithm correctly identified AFib episodes 98% of the time during the study.

What This Means for Fitbit Users

Fitbit’s wearable devices and its accompanying app have many fitness features to keep you in shape. Indeed, Fitbit already enables people to check themselves for AFib through its ECG app. However, that requires users to monitor themselves proactively.

This new algorithm is different, as it can passively assess your heart rhythm in the background while you’re still or asleep. According to Fitbit, it continuously tracks your heart in the background to potentially “identify asymptomatic AFib that could otherwise go undetected.”

According to PC Mag, the algorithm is currently accessible through the ECG app using two devices: Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Charge 5. Learn how to set up your device through the Fitbit site.

Fitbit says the algorithm will soon be available to consumers in the US across a range of heart-rate enabled devices. However, it is not intended for use by people under 22 years old or with known atrial fibrillation issues.

A Blow Against Heart Disease?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says one person dies every 36 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease, or about 659, 000 people every year.

At least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib, according to heart.org. With this new algorithm, Fitbit users can consistently monitor their heart rhythm, potentially catch any problems ahead of time, and get early treatment.