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Google will help find heart problems: Fitbit bracelets can already detect arrhythmias

  • April 12, 2022
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Fitbit bracelets have received approval from the US health administration FDA to implement a new Google algorithm. Users will now be able to passively monitor their heart rate

Google will help find heart problems: Fitbit bracelets can already detect arrhythmias

Fitbit bracelets have received approval from the US health administration FDA to implement a new Google algorithm. Users will now be able to passively monitor their heart rate while sleeping, for example. This will detect cases of atrial fibrillationThe most common type of arrhythmia.

The new algorithm uses photoplethysmography techniques that can determine the volume of an organ through light. In this case, Fitbit bracelets will passively analyze the heart to try to predict irregular rhythms, which is a sign of possible arrhythmia. If something strange is detected, the bracelet will send a notification to the user.

Enhanced health features extend to more wearables

In 2020, FitBit Sense devices were updated to allow EKGs. However, this function requires manual testing. In case of arrhythmia, it is difficult to detect a possible irregularity as episodes may be sporadic. This is where passive monitoring comes into play.

Atrial fibrillation problems affect 33.5 million people worldwide. And those affected have a higher chance of having a heart attack.

Google explains that its algorithm is working with 98% accuracy In tests they conducted on more than 450,000 participants over five months. The bracelets’ algorithm was able to detect cases of arrhythmia and was 98% correct as it was later confirmed using other more advanced instrumentation.

Fitbit will expand this arrhythmia detection feature on a wide variety of devicesStarting with the United States. Screening is not a medical test, but it can help you see a doctor for further testing.

Thus, Google’s wearable company joins Apple and enables the discovery of abnormalities in the heart with the Apple Watch. Google’s technique is equivalent to Apple’s and actually provides the same level of accuracy.

Last year, researchers at the University of Washington took this a step further by showing a study on detecting arrhythmias only through changes in breathing and inaudible sound signals.

on Xataka | How do you measure your heart rate and respiratory rate with your Android or iPhone’s camera with Google Fit?

Source: Xataka

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