The most common type of fainting called vasovagal syncope (VVS) is not normally dangerous in itself, but it can cause sudden falls leading to serious secondary injuries like concussions. Samsung now claims to have figured out how to predict VVS “with high accuracy” using biosignals from its Galaxy Watch 6. Such early warnings could allow users to move to a safe position or call for help.
Samsung worked with Chung-Ang University’s Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea to develop the new monitoring technique, as detailed in an article in the European Heart Journal. Vasovagal syncope fainting occurs when a person’s heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly after your “body overreacts to certain triggers…(like) the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Up to 40% of people could suffer from these episodes, said one of the study’s researchers, Professor Jun Hwan Cho.
The joint research team evaluated 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using a Galaxy Watch’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor (which measures heart rate and heart rate), the team analyzed patients’ heart rate variability data with an AI algorithm. It successfully predicted impending fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with an accuracy of 84.6 percent “with a clinically meaningful sensitivity of 90 percent and specificity of 64 percent,” Samsung wrote.
“This study is an example of how wearable technology can help shift healthcare from a model designed for post-treatment to a preventive care model,” said Jongmin Choi, director of Samsung’s health research and development group. Samsung called the study a “world’s first in fainting prediction.”
Samsung did not specify when or if such a feature would be available to Galaxy Watch users. The company will undoubtedly want to be cautious about implementing such VVS detection, given the potential for legal or regulatory issues. However, Samsung said it intends to “accelerate the implementation of personalized preventive health solutions.” The company’s latest Galaxy Watch 8 offers health alert features such as sleep apnea, blood oxygen, heart irregularities, and antioxidant detection.