Technology company Samsung said a joint clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea found that the Galaxy Watch6 can predict fainting episodes up to five minutes before they happen.
The study focused on vasovagal syncope (VVS), a common condition that causes sudden fainting due to a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure. The condition is often triggered by stress, pain, or standing for long periods. While fainting itself is usually not fatal, falls can lead to injuries such as fractures and concussions.
Researchers tested 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using the Galaxy Watch6’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the team analyzed heart rate variability (HRV) data through an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.
The study showed the smartwatch predicted fainting episodes with 84.6% accuracy, including 90% sensitivity and 64% specificity, up to five minutes before loss of consciousness.
“Up to 40% of people experience vasovagal syncope over their lifetime, with one-third experiencing recurrent episodes,” Prof. Junhwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, said in a media release. “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.”
Samsung said the findings indicate the world’s first study showing that a commercial smartwatch could potentially provide early prediction of syncope or fainting episodes.
“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,’” said Jongmin Choi, head of Health R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to driving technological innovation that empowers our users to lead healthier everyday lives.”
The findings were published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of the medical journal “European Heart Journal – Digital Health.”
Samsung said it plans to further expand the health monitoring capabilities of its wearable devices through collaborations with medical institutions and preventive healthcare research.