The Heartbeat Monitoring Function of Samsung Galaxy Watch will be Available this Summer Season
Samsung's Galaxy Watch is about to prompt users to verify if something beyond infatuation could be triggering their heart to flutter unconventionally. The watch is joining forces with other wearable devices from brands like Google and Apple, allowing users to track any abnormal heart rhythm patterns.
As revealed on a Wednesday announcement, the Galaxy Watch's upcoming UI 5 update will introduce new heart monitoring features. These features will help identify if users are experiencing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), also known as AFib. Samsung confirmed that this feature will be incorporated within the built-in Health Monitor app and should be available this summer, although an official release date hasn't been set yet.
The upcoming One UI 5 Watch OS update will blend traditional electrocardiogram monitoring and AFib detection. The app will analyze pulse rate data while the phone is active, and if it identifies any irregular rhythms, the watch will alert the user to perform an ECG test by placing their finger on the top outside button. According to Samsung, the app will not issue notifications for minor episodes of irregular heart rhythm but will "opportunistically" record pulse rate data during periods of inactivity.
Google's popular Fitbit devices introduced similar heart monitoring technology last year, utilizing ECG monitoring and an algorithm to evaluate heart rhythms while users are asleep or still. Similarly, Apple Watches also check for irregular rhythms and alert users of potential AFib instances, while also logging their AFib history.
AFib refers to an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that may potentially lead to blood clots, which in turn could result in strokes or heart failure. However, the frequency of these clots is relatively rare. A scan of a specific duration might overlook these random instances of arrhythmia, making a continuously worn device like a smartwatch an ideal monitor.
The feature is intended for users aged 22 or older and is not applicable for individuals dealing with recurring arrhythmias not necessarily associated with AFib. Samsung has cautioned users that the ECG app does not represent a diagnostic tool for medical conditions. Instead, the company describes this feature as pertaining to general wellness and fitness purposes. Therefore, any information derived from the app should not be taken as an absolute indication of any medical distress. Instead, users should consult a genuine medical professional or utilize a device specifically designed for continuous monitoring of irregular heart activity.
Samsung announced it received FDA clearance for its new heart rhythm alerts back in May. The feature also received approval from regulators in South Korea, where the company is headquartered. The heart monitoring feature will be available in 11 other countries outside of the US and South Korea, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, most of Western Europe, as well as several countries in Central and South America. The complete list of available countries is accessible on Samsung's announcement page.
Samsung is promoting its health features with a newly integrated Peloton service and the long-awaited inclusion of its temperature sensor on the Galaxy Watch 5.
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The One UI 5 Watch OS update's new heart monitoring features will utilize technology to identify Atrial Fibrillation, emphasizing its role in health and fitness. In the future, we can expect more tech companies to integrate advanced heart monitoring features into their wearable devices, providing users with a proactive approach to their health.
