Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) testing app arrives on the Fitbit Sense
Electrocardiogram app available in the Fitbit app store
When we reviewed the Fitbit Sense, we understood that the ECG functionality had been approved by the FTA but was not yet available on the device. As of today, Fitbit Sense users can find and install the ECG app from the Fitbit app store.
When I launched the Apps section of the Fitbit app on my phone the ECG app appeared without having to go look for it in the full store.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Already garnering high ratings
The Fitbit ECG app is provided by Fitbit itself and is already doing well with ratings. After testing it out a couple of times, it appears to be a solid app that is easy to use and very functional.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
One interesting aspect of using the ECG app
After installing the app on your Fitbit Sense, you are directed to the Discover>Assessments & Reports section of the Fitbit app on your phone. To be honest, this is the first time I've visited this section of the app and did not expect to have to go to something on my phone to use the app.
You only need to visit this section of the Fitbit app the first time you use the ECG app and as you can see on the following screenshots there is a reason for this step in the initial process.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Details about what the app provides
Fitbit wants to make sure that users understand what the app is designed to help with and what limitations it has. The Fitbit Sense is not a full medical device, but the data it captures can be useful for medical providers as they assess your well-being.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Describing what AFib is to new users
The term AFib has been made a bit more prevalent in the mobile technology world when Apple launched its ECG app on the Apple Watch. It is a key component to overall health and a page in the setup app describes the details of AFib.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
There are some caveats in the app
There are some conditions for accepting the ECG app on your Fitbit so make sure to read this as you set it up.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
How the ECG works on the Fitbit Sense
Once everything is setup, it is a 30-second process to capture an ECG reading. The stainless steel ring on the Fitbit Sense is key to this capability and a reason why the Sense is the only Fitbit that supports the ECG app.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
ECG app on the Fitbit Sense
The app appears as a heart on your Fitbit Sense. Tap it to launch the app and initiate the readings.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Place your finger and thumb in the two corners
Animated arrows appear on the display to make it clear where to position your thumb and index finger across from each other on the Fitbit Sense.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Normal reading
The first time I tried to obtain an ECG reading the results were inconclusive. I run quite a bit and have always had a very low resting heart rate. I had to get up and walk a bit in order to get my heart rate over 50 bpm in order to take an ECG reading.
After I was in an acceptable zone, my results show normal sinus rhythm.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Explanation of results
The Fibti app on your phone will show the results you may see after using the ECG. Hopefully, most people have normal sinus rhythm.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching
Other results from the ECG app
You may also see a detection of AFib or inconclusive results. The great thing about the Fitbit app is that you can run a report and then take those PDF results to a doctor for further evaluation if AFib is detected.
Having the ECG capability on the Fitbit Sense is a great addition to a wearable that already has an incredible amount of health and wellness data being captured, tracked, and reported.
See also: Fitbit Sense review: Advanced health and wellness tracking, GPS, and coaching