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.
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.
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Last Updated on April 5, 2022
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