Samsung has announced that a joint clinical study with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea has successfully validated the ability to predict vasovagal syncope using biosignals collected from the Galaxy Watch6.
Vasovagal syncope, or VVS, happens when a person’s heart rate and blood pressure suddenly drop, often due to stress or other triggers. This can lead to temporary fainting. While the episode itself is usually not life-threatening, the sudden fall can cause serious injuries such as fractures or concussions. That makes early prediction an important step in preventing harm.
According to Professor Junhwan Cho from the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, up to 40 percent of people may experience vasovagal syncope at some point in their lives, and about one-third of them may have repeated episodes. He said an early warning could give patients enough time to sit or lie down safely, or call for help before fainting occurs.
The research team, led by Professor Cho, studied 132 patients who showed suspected VVS symptoms during induced fainting tests. Using a Galaxy Watch with a photoplethysmography, or PPG, sensor, the team analyzed heart rate variability data through an AI algorithm. The model was able to predict fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance with 84.6 percent accuracy, along with 90 percent sensitivity and 64 percent specificity.
Jongmin Choi, Head of Health R&D Group at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience Business, said the study shows how wearable technology can help healthcare move from post-care to preventive care. He added that Samsung will continue working on technologies that help users live healthier everyday lives.
The findings were published in Volume 7, Issue 4 of the European Heart Journal – Digital Health. Samsung says this is the world’s first study to successfully show the potential of a commercial smartwatch in providing early prediction of syncope.
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Samsung also said it plans to keep improving the health monitoring features of its wearable devices while expanding partnerships with leading medical institutions. The company aims to strengthen its role in digital health and support more personalized, preventive healthcare solutions.
