Fitbit Takes Large-Scale AFib Study Virtual

Fitbit is launching a large-scale virtual study to validate the use of its wearable technology to identify atrial fibrillation in patients. The San Francisco, CA-based company said it plans to enroll hundreds of thousands of people in the Fitbit Heart Study. Results from the study could help with regulatory submissions. The company said its wearables have the potential to accelerate AFib detection because their 24/7 heart rate tracking is powered by long battery life, which allows users to wear their device for multiple days at a time. To track heart rate, Fitbit’s devices use photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to measure the rate of blood flow directly from a user’s wrist. Theoretically, these measurements can be used to determine a user’s heart rhythm, which Fitbit’s algorithm will analyze for irregularities in the Fitbit Heart Study. The company said study participants who receive a notification about an irregular heart rhythm will be connected with a doctor for a virtual appointment at no cost to get more information and may receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) patch in the mail at no cost to confirm the notification. “Since we first brought heart rate tracking to the wrist in 2015, we have continued to innovate and provide users with a deeper understanding of their heart health through features like Sleep Stages, Cardio Fitness Level and now Active Zone Minutes,” ...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Digital Health Source Type: news