Samsung study: Galaxy Watch could predict fainting spells

Samsung is apparently researching the expansion of its Galaxy Watches' health functions: In a clinical study together with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea, the tech giant was able to prove that short-term fainting (vasovagal syncope, VVS) can be predicted with high accuracy using the biosignals recorded by the Galaxy Watch 6.

Up to five minutes in advance

The research team, led by Professor Cho, conducted examinations on 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using a Galaxy Watch 6 equipped with a photoplethysmography sensor (PPG), which is also found in a pulse oximeter, for example, the team analyzed the watch's heart rate variability data (HRV) with an AI algorithm, according to Samsung. The model predicted impending fainting spells up to five minutes in advance with an accuracy of 84.6 percent, with a clinically significant sensitivity of 90 percent and a specificity of 64 percent.

Vasovagal syncope occurs when a person's heart rate and blood pressure suddenly drop due to factors such as excessive stress. This leads to a temporary loss of consciousness. While fainting itself is usually not life-threatening, sudden falls can cause serious secondary injuries such as fractures or concussions, making early detection crucial for prevention, the company explains.

Early warning for prevention

“Up to 40 percent of people experience vasovagal syncope over their lifetime, with one-third experiencing recurrent episodes,” said Professor Jun Hwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. “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.” The research findings were published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of the “European Heart Journal – Digital Health.”

Currently, this is just a study; it is unclear whether or when Samsung will integrate such fainting detection into a production model of a Galaxy Watch. Jongmin Choi, Head of the Health R&D Group in Samsung Electronics' Mobile eXperience business, said about the study: “This study is an example of how wearable technology can help shift healthcare from a model of ‘post-care’ to a model of 'preventive care.' We are committed to driving technological innovation that empowers our users to lead healthier everyday lives.”

Samsung has gradually added numerous health functions to its Galaxy Watch. The Galaxy Watch 8, released last year, can measure skin antioxidant content, vascular stress, heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep, and create an ECG. Most recently, Samsung enabled sleep apnea detection for some watch models.

The South Korean tech giant is not the only company working on health prevention features for smartwatches. Apple, Google, Huawei, and other companies are also continuously working to equip their smartwatches with additional functions. Furthermore, Apple is known for regularly publishing studies on various health topics related to its products here.

(afl)