Samsung's new Galaxy Watch tech can detect fainting risk minutes in advance

With the Galaxy Watch Series 4 and new models, Samsung has introduced Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Sleep Apnea detection, AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products) Index for metabolic health, and more.

Now, the consumer electronics giant has announced breakthrough technology that enables Galaxy Watches to predict and alert users several minutes before a fainting spell.

Samsung collaborated with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea and has successfully validated the ability to predict vasovagal syncope (VVS) with high accuracy by utilising biosignals obtained from Galaxy Watch6.

For the uninitiated, Vasovagal syncope occurs when a person’s heart rate and blood pressure drop abruptly due to factors like excessive stress, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness.

Samsung Galaxy watches can predict and alert users minutes before fainting spell.

The research study led by Professor Cho reportedly evaluated 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using a Galaxy Watch equipped with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the team analysed the watch’s heart rate variability (HRV) data with an AI algorithm. The model was able to successfully predict impending fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with 84.6 per cent accuracy, at a clinically meaningful sensitivity of 90 per cent and a specificity of 64 per cent.

The research findings are published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of 'European Heart Journal – Digital Health,' a leading medical journal.

Though the fainting spell is not typically life-threatening, the sudden falls can cause severe secondary injuries like fractures or concussions, making early prediction critically important for prevention.

“Up to 40% of people experience vasovagal syncope over their lifetime, with one-third experiencing recurrent episodes. An early warning could give patients advance time to get into a safe position or call for help, which would dramatically reduce the incidence of secondary injuries," said Professor Junhwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital.

After further testing, Samsung is expected to apply for regulatory approval in global regions in the coming months, and once getting the nod, it is expected to roll out the fainting prediction feature to Galaxy Watch6 and newer models.

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.