Samsung Galaxy Watch predicts fainting episodes 5 minutes early with 84.6% accuracy in clinical study

Samsung Announces World-First Breakthrough in Fainting Prediction With Galaxy Watch

Joint study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital demonstrates potential for early fainting detection using Galaxy Watch, paving the way for real-time warning systems Samsung today announced that a joint clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea has successfully validated the ability to predict vasovagal syncope (VVS) with high accuracy by utilizing biosignals obtained from Galaxy Watch6. Vasovagal syncope occurs when a person's heart rate and blood pressure drop abruptly due to factors like excessive stress, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness. While the fainting spell itself is typically not life-threatening, sudden falls can cause severe secondary injuries like fractures or concussions, making early prediction critically important for prevention. "Up to 40% of people experience vasovagal syncope over their lifetime, with one-third experiencing recurrent episodes," said Professor Junhwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. "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 joint research team, led by Professor Cho, conducted evaluations on 132 patients with suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using a Galaxy Watch equipped with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the team analyzed the watch's heart rate variability (HRV) data with an AI algorithm. The model successfully predicted impending fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with 84.6 percent accuracy, at a clinically meaningful sensitivity of 90 percent and a specificity of 64 percent. "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 research findings were published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of "European Heart Journal - Digital Health," a leading medical journal and they represent the world's first study to successfully demonstrate the potential for a commercial smartwatch to provide early prediction of syncope. Samsung plans to further advance the health monitoring capabilities of its wearable portfolio and expand collaboration with leading medical institutions. Through these efforts, the company aims to lead the digital health industry and accelerate the implementation of personalized, preventive health solutions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch successfully predicts fainting spells in new clinical trial

A recent joint clinical study conducted by Samsung and Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in South Korea has demonstrated that biosignals obtained from a commercial smartwatch can accurately predict vasovagal syncope (VVS). Vasovagal syncope is a condition characterized by an abrupt drop in heart rate and blood pressure, frequently triggered by factors such as excessive stress. This sudden physiological change leads to a temporary loss of consciousness. While the fainting spells themselves are typically not life-threatening, the resulting sudden falls pose a significant risk for severe secondary injuries, including concussions and fractures. Because of these risks, the ability to predict episodes before they occur is considered critical for patient safety and injury prevention. The clinical research team, led by Professor Cho, evaluated 132 patients presenting with suspected VVS symptoms. The evaluations took place during induced fainting tests. Throughout the tests, patients were monitored using a Samsung Galaxy Watch6 equipped with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. Researchers applied an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze the heart rate variability (HRV) data collected by the watch. The study yielded the following predictive results: These findings indicate a clinically meaningful level of predictive capability. The research, which has been published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of the European Heart Journal - Digital Health, marks the first study globally to successfully demonstrate the potential for a commercial smartwatch to provide early prediction of syncope. Following the publication of these results, Samsung has outlined plans to continue advancing the health monitoring capabilities across its portfolio of wearable devices. The company intends to expand its collaborative efforts with leading medical institutions to further the development of the digital health industry and accelerate the implementation of personalized, preventive healthcare solutions. Professor Junhwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital said: 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. Jongmin Choi, Head of Health R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Samsung Electronics, said:

Samsung, Chung-Ang University demonstrate Galaxy Watch can predict fainting in advance - The Korea Times

A patient wears a Samsung Electronics Galaxy Watch while lying on a bed. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics announced Thursday that a clinical study conducted jointly with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital has demonstrated that biosignal analysis technology in the Galaxy Watch can predict vasovagal syncope with high accuracy ahead of an episode -- marking the world's first such study using a commercial smartwatch. The findings were published in the latest issue of European Heart Journal - Digital Health, a peer-reviewed journal of the European Society of Cardiology. Vasovagal syncope is a condition in which a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by excessive stress or tension leads to a temporary loss of consciousness. The condition poses a particular risk because unexpected falls can result in secondary injuries, including fractures and cerebral hemorrhage. A research team led by Cho Jun-hwan of the Division of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital enrolled 132 patients with suspected vasovagal syncope. Participants wore a Galaxy Watch6 during a head-up tilt test -- a procedure used to reproduce syncope episodes and determine whether a patient's autonomic nervous system is the underlying cause. The Galaxy Watch6's photoplethysmography sensor collected real-time heart rate variability data, which was then analyzed using an artificial intelligence algorithm. The analysis achieved an 84.6 percent accuracy rate in predicting vasovagal syncope approximately five minutes before an episode occurs -- providing patients with a critical window to assume a safe posture or seek assistance before losing consciousness. "The lifetime cumulative prevalence of syncope reaches 40 percent, and one-third of those affected experience recurrent episodes," said Cho. "Real-time detection of syncope risk will be of great help in preventing accidents in patients who have difficulty recognizing prodromal symptoms." "This study is an example of how wearable technology can help shift healthcare from a post-care model to a preventive care model," said Choi Jong-min, head of Health R&D Group within the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. "Samsung Electronics will build on these research results as we work to deliver preventive health care solutions through Galaxy Watch." Samsung said it plans to continue expanding partnerships with leading medical institutions to advance the health monitoring capabilities of its wearable devices and grow the digital health ecosystem. The company's Galaxy Watch lineup currently supports health insights spanning sleep, physical activity, antioxidant levels and cardiovascular function. The Galaxy Watch8, launched last year, became the first smartwatch to include an antioxidant index feature, measuring carotenoid concentration in the body in five seconds to help users track fruit and vegetable intake.