We recently wrapped up a highly productive visit to Belfast, where we connected with our key partner, B-Secur, to dive into the latest developments in ECG and PPG technologies and how these advancements are aligning with FDA regulatory requirements.

At B-Secur's cutting-edge headquarters, their forward-thinking team is making remarkable progress in decoding heart rate data. As the intersection of fitness and healthcare continues to evolve, consumer wearables are becoming indispensable in shaping this future. The FDA is taking significant steps to integrate these devices into medical applications, with a particular focus on ECG and PPG technologies.

What is PPG? Photoplethysmography (PPG) is becoming increasingly prominent due to its non-invasive nature and cost-effectiveness. This technology measures blood oxygen saturation and monitors heart rate at rest by using light-based sensors to track changes in blood flow. When light passes through biological tissue, it is absorbed at different levels by the blood, allowing PPG sensors to detect these variations. Because it requires only a single measurement point, PPG is ideal for continuous monitoring in wearable devices.

How is ECG Different? Electrocardiography (ECG), on the other hand, measures the heart’s electrical activity. Unlike PPG, ECG requires two points of contact (positive and negative electrodes) to capture the heart's electrical signals with each beat. This data produces a detailed waveform that reflects the heart's electrical function, providing deep insights into cardiovascular health.

PPG vs. ECG: Key Biomarkers for Fitness Wearables - PPG: Blood flow, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) at rest, VO2 Max, respiration rate, cardiac efficiency, and atrial fibrillation (AFib). - ECG: Heart rate, HRV, AFib detection, VO2 Max, body composition, hydration, bioimpedance, and stress levels.

Both technologies are now found in a range of devices from leading brands like Apple, Polar, Garmin, Samsung, Fitbit, and Google Pixel. These brands are also innovating with additional markers like continuous stress and glucose monitoring, demonstrating the expanding capabilities of modern wearables.

Shaping the Future of Health Tech As fitness and health tech continue to converge, the opportunities for businesses to integrate ECG and PPG into their products are vast. Whether you’re looking to enhance member experiences, develop new products, or navigate the FDA approval process, we’re here to help guide you through this exciting journey.