Samsung Says Galaxy Watch Can Predict Vasovagal Syncope, a First

Samsung Electronics said May 7 that a joint clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital showed Galaxy Watch biometric-signal analysis can predict vasovagal syncope (VVS) early with high accuracy.

The findings were published in the latest issue of a digital health journal issued by the European Society of Cardiology, Samsung said. The company called it the world’s first study to show the potential to predict fainting using a smartwatch.

Vasovagal syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, often triggered by excessive tension or stress. It can lead to secondary injuries such as fractures or brain hemorrhage from unexpected falls, the company said.

A research team led by Cho Jun-hwan of the hospital’s cardiology department conducted a head-up tilt test on 132 patients suspected of having vasovagal syncope while they wore a Galaxy Watch6.

Using the watch’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the team collected real-time heart rate variability (HRV) data and analyzed it with an artificial intelligence algorithm. Samsung said the analysis predicted signs of vasovagal syncope about five minutes before an episode with 84.6% accuracy.

“This study shows the possibility of shifting health care from after-the-fact management to prevention through wearable technology,” said Choi Jong-min, an executive director on Samsung’s MX business digital health team. He said Samsung will work to provide preventive health care solutions on the Galaxy Watch based on the results.

Samsung said it is strengthening Galaxy Watch health care features, offering advanced health insights spanning sleep, exercise, antioxidants and cardiovascular health.

The company said the Galaxy Watch8, released last year, added an antioxidant index feature that measures carotenoid levels in the body in five seconds to assess fruit and vegetable intake and support healthier eating habits. It also analyzes sleep patterns to suggest an optimal bedtime and measures “vascular stress” during sleep, Samsung said.