Fitbit is confirming a few additional specifics about Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, including where and how they function, after receiving authorization earlier this month and beginning the deployment yesterday.
Fitbit's PPG (photoplethysmography) algorithm powers Abnormal Heart Rhythm Notifications, which the company claims is 98 percent successful in detecting irregular heart rhythms. One of the main purposes of this function is to assist people who are suffering from atrial fibrillation, or AFib, the most prevalent type of abnormal heart rhythm.
Fitbit confirmed to 9to5Google that Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications will be offered in only one location for the time being. For the time being, the feature is only available in the United States. Given that the feature was approved by the US FDA, this makes reasonable. It's unknown whether additional locations will be included in the future.
Fitbit also revealed a few additional insights about how the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications will function. Notifications will display under the "Today" or "Discover" tabs in the Fitbit app. Fitbit recommends checking the app every day to see if these notifications have arrived, which are usually issued in the morning after the wearer has slept. We inquired about a tracker or smartwatch software upgrade, and the company's response hinted that all modifications are performed through the app.
Fitbit explains:
Irregular Rhythm Notifications can be set up on the Fitbit mobile app in the United States, either from the Today page or under the Discover menu. Once enabled, compatible Fitbit devices will gather heart rhythm data when users are still or asleep, alerting them if they show signs of an irregular heart rhythm that could represent AFib. To sync their heart rhythm data, users should launch the Fitbit app every day. The PPG detection algorithm will evaluate the data after the Fitbit gadget has collected enough data to check for indicators of AFib.
Fitbit also sent us a handful of screenshots of how Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications appear in the app. Notifications may show on the "Today" tab at the very top of the screen, with a message stating that the app has a "important heart-health update" to share, as seen at the opening of this piece. The notification, which in this case specifies indicators of AFib, can be seen below.
Fitbit owners are receiving these messages now and in the "coming weeks," however only in the United States, as previously said. On newer Versa and Sense smartwatches, as well as Charge and Inspire trackers, the capability is available. The complete list may be seen here.
