Fitbit has announced that the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature is now available in South Africa.

According to Fitbit, AFib is a form of irregular heart rhythm that affects nearly 33.5 million people globally, and individuals with AFib have five times higher risk of stroke. Unfortunately, AFib can be difficult to detect as there are often no symptoms and episodes can come and go.

Earlier this year, Fitbit received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the new PPG (photoplethysmography) algorithm to identify atrial fibrillation (AFib). This is the algorithm that powers Fitbit’s new Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature. The feature has CE mark, is FDA certified and is now available in South Africa.

 Fitbit’s new PPG AFib algorithm can passively assess users’ heart rhythm in the background while they are still or asleep. If there’s anything that might be suggestive of AFib, they will be notified through Fitbit’s Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature. The company believes this will allow users to talk with their healthcare provider or seek further assessment to help prevent a significant medical event, such as stroke.

This feature is compatible with Sense 2, Sense, Versa 4, Versa 3, Versa 2, Versa Lite, Charge 5, Charge 4, Charge 3, Luxe, Inspire 3 and Inspire 2. Users of the Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Charge 5 can also use the ECG app on their device to take a heart rhythm assessment.

To set up irregular heart rhythm notifications, Fitbit notes to enroll in the Assessment section of the Fitbit app.