Samsung says its Galaxy Watch can predict fainting with 'high accuracy'

Source: Engadget

Overview

The most common type of fainting, vasovagal syncope (VVS), is usually not dangerous in itself but can cause sudden falls that lead to severe secondary injuries such as concussions. Samsung announced that it can predict VVS “with high accuracy” using biosignals from its Galaxy Watch 6. Early warnings could allow users to assume a safe position or call for help.

Research Collaboration

Samsung partnered with Chung‑Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal (link).

Vasovagal syncope occurs when heart rate and blood pressure drop abruptly after the body overreacts to triggers such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress (Mayo Clinic). Up to 40 % of people may experience these episodes, according to Professor Jun Hwan Cho, one of the paper’s authors.

Study Design

• Participants: 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms.
• Procedure: Induced fainting tests (e.g., tilt‑table test) (Cleveland Clinic).
• Device: Galaxy Watch’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which measures heart rate and rhythm.
• Analysis: Heart‑rate‑variability data processed by an AI algorithm.

Results

The AI model predicted impending fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with:

• 84.6 % accuracy
• 90 % sensitivity (clinically meaningful)
• 64 % specificity

Samsung described the study as a “world‑first breakthrough in fainting prediction.”

Implications and Future Outlook

Jongmin Choi, head of Samsung’s Health R&D Group, said the work illustrates how wearables can shift healthcare from post‑care to preventive care. Samsung has not announced when—or if—the feature will be available to Galaxy Watch users, citing potential legal and regulatory considerations. Nonetheless, the company aims to “accelerate the implementation of personalized, preventative health solutions.”

The newer Galaxy Watch 8 already includes health‑alert features such as sleep‑apnea detection, blood‑oxygen monitoring, heart‑irregularity alerts, and antioxidant detection.