Fitness trackers have evolved far beyond just counting steps. Last fall, market leader Fitbit announced CE approval to use the FibriCheck heart rhythm tracking app to monitor and share the measurements with physicians. Readings from the FibriCheck application with the Fitbit smartwatch compared well enough to tests using standard 12-lead ECGs in detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) that the device and software earned the CE-Mark. In September 2019, Fitbit allowed access to FibriCheck to users in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Fitbit recently announced a significant expansion of the Fitbit and FibriCheck partnership. Fitbit users in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain can now use use FibriCheck to monitor their heart rhythm. FibriCheck uses data from the Fitbit’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors to measure the blood flow rate on the wearer’s wrist. The results and software assessment display directly on the Fitbit screen within 60 seconds. Users can also use FibriCheck to share the results directly with medical professionals who can then use the data to observe and diagnose heart conditions including AFib.
Fitbit users in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain with the Fitbit Versa, Fitbit Versa Lite Edition, Fitbit Versa 2, and Fitbit Ionic smartwatches can access FibriCheck on the wearables’ app gallery. Following a one-day free trial, the FibriCheck app costs 3.99 Euros (US $4.53) per month on a subscription basis.
The increased acceptance of clinical-grade data from wearables in diagnosis and monitoring supports the work of companies such as Fitbit and FibriCheck and will surely inspire other device makers and software companies to continue their own development efforts.
