Samsung may soon enable its smartwatches to predict when a user is about to faint, following promising results from a joint clinical study conducted with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. According to the findings, future Galaxy Watch devices could offer early warnings for vasovagal syncope (VVS), a condition that causes sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness.
The study utilized biosignals collected from the Galaxy Watch6 and applied artificial intelligence to detect patterns associated with fainting episodes, indicating a significant shift toward preventive healthcare enabled by wearable technology.
How the Technology Works
Vasovagal syncope occurs when the body reacts to stress or another trigger by rapidly dropping blood pressure and heart rate. While the condition itself is usually not life-threatening, it can cause injuries from falls. Junhwan Cho from Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital stated, "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."
The research involved 132 patients undergoing induced fainting tests. Using a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor on the Galaxy Watch 6, the team analyzed heart rate variability (HRV) data with an AI model. The system predicted fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with an accuracy of 84.6%, sensitivity of 90%, and specificity of 64%.
What It Means for Users
The findings suggest that future smartwatch features could alert users before a fainting episode, allowing them to take precautionary measures such as sitting down or seeking assistance. Jongmin Choi, Head of Health R&D Group of Samsung Mobile eXperience (MX) business, said in a press release, "This study is an example of how wearable technology can help shift healthcare from being designed for 'post-care' to a model of 'preventive care.' We are committed to driving technological innovation that empowers our users to lead healthier everyday lives."
The research has been published in the journal European Heart Journal Digital Health, highlighting the growing role of consumer devices for health monitoring. Samsung aims to expand its partnerships with medical institutions and continue adding health-focused features to its wearables, demonstrating its dedication to personalized and preventive healthcare solutions.
