Fitbit's passive heart rate monitoring tech has been submitted for FDA approval

Google is seeking US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Fitbit's passive heart rate monitoring algorithm.

The technology was built using data collected from a study of US Fitbit users launched in May 2020. The Fitbit Heart Study aimed to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), also known as irregular heart rhythm.

Measurements were taken on the wrist using a Fitbit device's photoplethysmography (PPG) technology which uses light to measure your blood flow. The study concluded that the algorithm could correctly identify AFib in 98% of cases.

The Fitbit Sense smartwatch became FDA approved in 2020 for its electrocardiogram (ECG) tool, requiring the wearer to actively use the features. The PPG technology differs as it will run in the background with no user input needed.

This announcement came alongside several new health focussed updates from Google. A new search functionality was unveiled, providing Google users in the US with a list of available appointment times at a specific provider.

Google also aims to tackle health misinformation by launching "health source information panels" and "health content shelves" on YouTube videos. The tool will be available in Japan, Brazil and India, aiming to highlight credible sources of information.

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