Today, Samsung revealed that a collaborative clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea has effectively confirmed the capability to predict vasovagal syncope (VVS) with remarkable precision by leveraging biosignals collected from the Galaxy Watch6.
Vasovagal syncope happens when an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure suddenly decrease due to various factors such as extreme stress, resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness. Although the fainting episode itself is generally not life-threatening, unexpected falls can lead to serious secondary injuries like fractures or concussions, making timely prediction essential for prevention.
“As many as 40% of individuals will experience vasovagal syncope at some point in their lives, with one-third facing recurrent episodes,” stated Professor Junhwan Cho from the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. “An early alert could provide patients with the necessary time to assume a safe position or seek assistance, significantly lowering the risk of secondary injuries.”
The collaborative research team, headed by Professor Cho, assessed 132 patients exhibiting suspected VVS symptoms during tests designed to induce fainting. Utilizing a Galaxy Watch equipped with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the team examined the heart rate variability (HRV) data from the watch using an AI algorithm. The model was able to accurately predict imminent fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance, achieving an accuracy rate of 84.6 percent, with a clinically relevant sensitivity of 90 percent and a specificity of 64 percent.
“This research exemplifies how wearable technology can transition healthcare from a focus on ‘post-care’ to a model centered on ‘preventive care,'” stated Jongmin Choi, Head of Health R&D Group at Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are dedicated to fostering technological advancements that enable our users to maintain healthier lifestyles every day.”
The results of the study were published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of the “European Heart Journal – Digital Health,” a prominent medical publication, marking the first successful demonstration of a commercial smartwatch’s ability to predict syncope early.
Samsung intends to enhance the health monitoring features of its wearable devices and strengthen partnerships with top medical institutions. Through these initiatives, the company aspires to take the lead in the digital health sector and expedite the rollout of personalized, preventive health solutions.