How to take an ECG reading on Fitbit
Apple may have popularized the feature, but you can also use a Fitbit to take an ECG reading from the wrist.
The feature isn’t from Fitbit itself, though its smartwatches – the Versa series and the Ionic – are now able to access a new third-party service and receive ECG readings.
The app? Fibricheck – a CE certified health screening and monitoring app that leverages the heart rate monitor to give users a reading and potentially detect heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
For now, the app is only able to offer assessments in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands – and, below, we explain how to get started.
How to take an ECG reading on Fitbit
Unlike the Apple Watch an other examples, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee if you want to gain access to readings.
However, you can access a one-day free trial for the service, and the data does go a step further than just a simple explanation of your rhythm, with your results reviewed and personal weekly reports created based on your readings.
For that reason, and based on our experience, Fibricheck feels much more like a professional, long-term way for users to monitor heart conditions, rather than to simply check once if a reading can detect something irregular.
How to download Fibricheck on Fitbit
1. Go to the Fitbit app.
2. In the top-left corner, tap the Account icon and then select your device.
3. Tap Apps > All Apps and then search ‘Fibricheck’.
4. From here, download the app and wait for it to appear on your wrist.
Tip: As we just mentioned, this is a subscription service, so you’ll need to also create an account with Fibricheck online and select a fee tier, which you’ll be prompted to do in the app before getting started.
However, you can access a free trial of the service for one day. Once it’s downloaded to your Fitbit account, go to My Apps > Fibricheck > Settings > Start free trial.
You’ll then be re-routed to Fibricheck, where you can input your login and gain access to the free trial.
Use Fibricheck to take an ECG reading
1. Open the Fibricheck app on your Fitbit smartwatch.
2. Ensure your Fitbit smartwatch is away from your wrist bone and remain still.
3. Tap ‘Measure’, which will then start a 60-second reading.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for your reading.