Samsung Electronics said on the 7th that it proved, through a joint clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, that the Galaxy Watch's biosignal analysis technology can predict "vasovagal syncope (VVS)" early with high accuracy.
Vasovagal syncope is a phenomenon in which blood pressure drops sharply due to excessive tension or stress, causing a temporary loss of consciousness. In particular, it can lead to secondary injuries such as fractures and cerebral hemorrhage from unexpected falls, requiring special caution.
This achievement is the world's first research case to demonstrate the possibility of predicting syncope using a smartwatch. The findings were published in the latest issue of European Heart Journal-Digital Health, a digital health journal issued by the European Society of Cardiology.
The research team led by Professor Jo Jun-hwan of the Division of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital conducted a head-up tilt test on 132 patients suspected of vasovagal syncope while they wore a Galaxy Watch6. The head-up tilt test is conducted to determine whether the cause of syncope or presyncope dizziness lies in the autonomic nervous system by reproducing the condition.
Using the photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor built into the Galaxy Watch6, the team collected patients' heart rate variability (HRV) data in real time and analyzed it with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. The analysis showed that signs of vasovagal syncope could be predicted about 5 minutes before an episode with a high accuracy of 84.6%.
Samsung Electronics noted that if signs of syncope are predicted, patients can secure enough "golden time" before an episode to assume a safe position on their own or seek help from those nearby.
Jo Jun-hwan, a professor in the Division of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, said, "The lifetime cumulative prevalence of syncope reaches 40%, and one-third of those experience recurrent syncope," adding, "If the risk of syncope can be detected in real time, it will greatly help prevent accidents among patients who have difficulty sensing prodromal symptoms."
Choi Jong-min, senior vice president of the Digital Health Team in the MX Business at Samsung Electronics, said, "This study shows the potential to shift healthcare from post-event management to prevention through wearable technology," adding, "Samsung Electronics will work to provide preventive healthcare solutions on Galaxy Watch based on these results."