Recently, Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) made the announcement that they would submit data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the hopes of authorizing a new Fitbit feature that could check on users' heart rhythms continuously. Currently, Fitbit can only monitor abnormal heart rhythm every so often, and users need to choose to receive a heart rhythm reading.
With the passive heart rhythm monitoring feature, readings can be taken at any time and let users know if they are demonstrating symptoms of the condition of atrial fibrillation. Its primary purpose is to warn the user of any heart rhythm irregularities or abnormalities in function.
Upon approval of this feature, the Fitbit would be able to be sold as a medical device in the United States. The way that the system works is that it utilizes photoplethysmography in order to keep track of the blood flow in users' wrists to see if there are any heart abnormalities or rhythmic irregularities.
According to Google, its algorithm was able to pinpoint cases of AFib 98% of the time in a study that was conducted for Fitbit users over the age of 22. The results of the study were even brought to the American Heart Association at its latest meeting.
"These results are extremely promising and we think will have a real impact on early detection and treatment of this important condition," Tony Faranesh, a research scientist at Fitbit, stated in a press briefing.
Atrial fibrillation is linked with a stronger likelihood to develop a stroke, so the intention behind the creation of such a feature is to pinpoint the risk earlier on. It is still unknown, however, as to whether or not the development of this feature that detects atrial fibrillation through the Fitbit will keep strokes from occurring. This is because the majority of research is focused on whether or not the features on devices such as Fitbit are accurate, and not whether or not users actually benefit from using them in terms of their overall health conditions.