Samsung Electronics has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the irregular heart rhythm notification (IHRN) feature included in the Samsung Health Monitor app.

The IHRN feature along with the app’s current on-demand Electrocardiogram (ECG) function monitors heart rhythms indicative of atrial fibrillation (AFib) right from the Samsung Galaxy Watch tied around an individual’s wrist.

This notification feature will be available as part of the forthcoming One UI 5 Watch, coming first to the upcoming Galaxy Watch devices later in 2023 and then expanding to earlier versions of the watch later.

Galaxy Watch enables users to better understand their heart health by leveraging the Samsung BioActive Sensor, including on-demand ECG recording and HR Alert function that can detect abnormally high or low heart rates.

Following its activation in the Samsung Health Monitor app, IHRN will scan for irregular heart rhythms in the background through the BioActive Sensor of the Galaxy Watch.

In case a certain number of consecutive measurements are found to be irregular, the watch warns the users of possible AFib activity, thereby encouraging them to conduct an ECG using their watch for a clearer result.

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Samsung Electronics vice-president and digital health team head Hon Pak said: “We’re excited to announce that Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification, designed to help millions of people around the world who may not be aware of potential heart risk, has been cleared by the FDA.

“This is yet another example of how Samsung prioritises proactive safety solutions and enables users to receive a more holistic understanding of their cardiovascular and overall health.”

Cardiovascular disease is estimated to be one of the major causes of death worldwide.

AFib, a type of arrhythmia, is considered to offer a sign for key cardiovascular problems that can raise the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.