Fitbit is partnering with the Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance to help support earlier diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and detection of individuals who are at risk of stroke.
As part of the collaboration, the BMS-Pfizer Alliance and Fitbit will develop educational content and software to help support individuals who are at an increased risk for AFib.
"We're in a new era of healthcare, where we're not only focused on developing treatments but also looking at the potential of technology and data to help patients learn more about their health," said Angela Hwang, group president at Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, according to a news release emailed to Becker's Hospital Review.
Once the software is submitted to and cleared by the FDA, it will be added to Fitbit devices to both detect and alert users of potential heart rhythm irregularity. The user will also receive information to help encourage a discussion about AFib with his or her physician.