• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Fitness & Sports Watches
    • Cycling
    • Running
    • Swimming
    • Diving
    • Classic Watches
    • Designer Watches
    • Kids Smartwatches
    • Safety and SOS
    • Sleep Monitoring
  • Brands
    • Apple
    • Garmin
    • Fitbit
    • Samsung
    • Xiaomi
    • Suunto
  • Comparisons
Superwatches - Smartwatches for smart healthy people

Superwatches

  • Health and Fitness
  • How To
  • Deals
  • About Us

Google seeks FDA approval for atrial fibrillation detection on Fitbits

By Maygen. Updated: Apr 5, 2022

Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac disorder that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. Google has applied for FDA clearance to utilize its Fitbit trackers to assist in diagnosing the condition.

fitbit watch showing heartbeat on screen like atrial fibrillation

Following large-scale virtual health research, Google has submitted Fitbit’s passive heart rate tracking algorithm to the FDA.

Firstly, Fitbit users in the United States over the age of 22 were invited to participate in the research. It began in May 2020 and aimed to determine how well the gadget might identify atrial fibrillation, a kind of abnormal heart rhythm. It employs photoplethysmography to passively monitor a user’s wrist blood flow and detect any anomalies that warrant further investigation.

Fitbit Sense

in 2020, the FDA allowed Fitbit’s Sense smartwatch to utilize the ECG technology to identify AFib, although that needs active input from the user. Additionally, the FDA has already approved Fitbit to provide electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring of cardiac rhythms.

However, that’s only the beginning. Fitbit devices can now passively check heart rate data and immediately inform users of abnormal heart rhythms. This is thanks to optical photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors and a heart rate monitoring algorithm.

What are we expecting from the Fitbit Sense 2?

Google’s findings

According to Google’s presentation at last year’s American Heart Association convention, an ECG patch delivered to patients who got a warning from the wearable correctly identified undiagnosed AFib 98% of the time.

However, this must evaluated against the advantages of recognizing some cases of AFib early. Initial research showed these to be high, which might lead to needless patient worry and unnecessary clinic visits and testing.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch AFib detection was certified for wearables in 2020. It had a stated accuracy of roughly 99 percent in large-scale research that validated its clearance. Additionally, the study’s results were in the same ballpark.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) affects around 12.1 million individuals in the United States. Often linked to aging, high blood pressure, and obesity, among other things. AFib affects one in four persons at some point in their lives.

This week, it was reported that Google’s search results for healthcare in the US would soon include open appointment slots with local doctors and clinics. Owing in part to a collaboration with CVS’ MinuteClinic network, which purchased Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019.

As part of the announcement, the firm also stated that YouTube has begun implementing health source information panels on videos in Japan and Brazil and health content shelves that better promote videos from credible sources in those countries.

Find out more about your heart rate and what it means here.


Follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest articles

facebook Instagram twitter Pinterest Tumblr YouTube

Last Updated on April 5, 2022

Maygen
Maygen( Editor )

Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader, and experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.

We appreciate her work, contribution to our blog, marketing skills, editing, and expert writing abilities which are second to none.

Truly adept in content strategy and content creation which has immense contribution to our blog.

Notice: Qualifying purchases through links may support us with commission. Read our editorial policy.
April 5, 2022 By Maygen Filed Under: Health and Fitness, News, Technology

You are here: Superwatches > Health and Fitness > Google seeks FDA approval for atrial fibrillation detection on Fitbits

Primary Sidebar

Trending News

Galaxy Ultra

Galaxy Watch Ultra: The New Frontier in Smartwatch Technology

The smartwatch market has grown tremendously in recent years, with various manufacturers

Garmin Fenix 7

Unveiling the Future: Anticipated Features of the 2024 Smartwatches

Introduction: With the evolving technology of wearable, smartwatches continue to

Garmin Venu 3

Garmin Venu 3: A new you, your way.

Introduction: In the competitive realm of smartwatches, Garmin has consistently

The People Behind Superwatches

People Behind Superwatches

Watch Our Videos

Our Videos

Affiliate Disclosure: Superwatches.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchase.
Our participation in affiliate programs is at no extra cost to you.


Copyright © 2025 · Superwatches.com · Privacy · FAQ · Terms · Contact us

facebook      twitter       pinterest      instagram       tumblr       superwatches youtube channel   superwatches tiktok channel


Superwatches is a part of SDS Consultancy. We are a sole proprietor primarily focused on content and marketing. Read more about us