As the branding suggests, the feature is centered on a new algorithm for detecting irregular heart rhythms. The PPG algorithm has been shown to be as much as 98-percent effective at detecting irregular heart rhythms. Specifically, for rhythms that could indicate atrial fibrillation (AFib). In fact, the company attained FDA approval for the feature in recent weeks.
What does this mean for Fitbit users and what does AFib detection look like?
As might be guessed, the search giant has been working on the feature for some time now. It’s also already gone so far as to detail the list of devices it will be provided on, with rollouts starting this week. Now, it’s also provided some screen renderings to showcase the notifications. And a few more details about how it works in real-world use. Google’s Fitbit confirms that Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications will appear in the Fitbit app itself. The updated feature relies on the app for its algorithm, so the app will need to be updated to get the new feature. Once available, the app showcases the notifications, as needed, under the “Today” and “Discover” tabs. It also appears to show up on the wearables themselves, to a certain extent. But the bulk of the information will be in the app. So users are encouraged to check the app daily. Moreover, the best time of day to check it may be in the morning. The company says that’s when the app will sync heart rhythm data first. And the data then will be processed by the algorithm.
