I tried a $130 health gadget that beats the Apple Watch in a big way | Digital Trends

I purchased the KardiaMobile a few months after my primary care provider performed a traditional EKG test on me and noticed a problem. This information led to me having a heart catheterization, which led to a stent being placed into one of my arteries. The stent opened up a blocked artery outside my heart.

As a long-time Apple Watch user, I have always understood the importance of its electrocardiogram app. The app — which you can find on the current Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as a few older models — is designed to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm. When that happens, you should make your way to a hospital stat because something probably isn’t right with your heart — although Apple makes no claims you might be having a heart attack.

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Fitbit’s AFib detection is live and it could save yours | Digital Trends

Fitbit’s atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection feature is finally live following its FDA approval and is poised to do a lot of good for its users. AFib is a heart condition where a person’s heartbeat rhythm is irregular making them much more susceptible to things like strokes, heart attacks, and other critical heart conditions. Now that your Fitbit is able to detect AFib, the wearable tech might just save your life.

AFib affects millions of people globally, but it’s difficult to detect in its early stages due to a general lack of noticeable symptoms before severe ones take over and threaten the lives of those affected. Luckily, Fitbit’s AFib detection feature can notice irregular heartbeats and alert the wearer if they’re displaying symptoms of AFib.

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