Fitbit Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications smartwatch feature launches in over 20 countries
The Fitbit Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature is being rolled out to more countries worldwide. The tool is designed to help you to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), which affects almost 3.35 million people around the globe and can increase their risk of heart problems. Historically, it has been tricky to detect arrhythmia as many of those affected do not display symptoms.
The tool is now available in over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Netherlands; you can find a complete list below. Compatible devices include the Fitbit Sense 2, Versa 4 and Charge 5, which are currently selling with 21% off at Amazon in the US; the full list of compatible devices is also below.
- Sense 2
- Sense
- Versa 4
- Versa 3
- Versa 2
- Versa Lite
- Charge 5
- Charge 4
- Charge 3
- Luxe
- Inspire 3
- Inspire 2
The Fitbit PPG optical heart-rate sensor monitors your heart rate when you are still or sleeping, with the algorithm analysing the pattern for irregularities. The tool then triggers a notification to alert you if it detects irregular rhythms. The FDA cleared the photoplethysmography (PPG) algorithm, which powers the tool, for use in the US earlier this year. Testing by Fitbit suggests that the feature can identify 98% of cases.
You can also use the Fitbit ECG app to take an on-demand AFib assessment. To use either of these tools, you must enrol in the Assessment section of the Fitbit app. It is worth noting that these features are not intended to be used by anyone under the age of 22.
List of available countries:
- American Samoa
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Chile
- France
- Germany
- Guam
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Romania
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
- US Virgin Islands