Fitbit’s new feature is designed to help monitor symptoms of AFib, with the San Francisco-based company calling the feature “one of the most accurate algorithms” available to users. In addition, Fitbit users are able to control what information is shared with their doctors and other healthcare providers.
For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new algorithm for continuously monitoring users’ heart rate rhythms with wearable devices, such as the Fitbit Charge 3.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Fitbit’s new health algorithm that allows its devices to continuously monitor users’ heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious irregular heartbeat condition affecting nearly 33.5 million people globally.
As the wearable technology industry continues to grow, wearable manufacturers are looking to further expand their product offerings in the health arena. In its latest move, Fitbit is planning to further bolster its product offerings with a new heart-rate monitoring algorithm that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is the AFib tracking?
In its continued quest to rival the health features of the Apple Watch, Fitbit this week secured a new class II FDA approval for a thermometer-like feature on its devices called PurePulse. PurePulse is an algorithm that continuously monitors users’ heart rate rhythms, which could be a sign of a more serious heart arrhythmia condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for health and fitness, but it’s not as capable as a dedicated fitness tracker when it comes to running or cycling. Fitbit can’t rival Apple Watch with NFC payments or apps, but it’s synonymous with fitness tracking and an excellent source of motivation.
Source: https://blog.google/products/fitbit/irregular-heart-rhythm-notifications/
