The Samsung Health Monitor application is launching to provide access to blood pressure tracking and TGA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring via the Galaxy Watch series.

From 10 September, Australians will have access ECG and blood pressure readings on Samsung’s latest wearables, the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic. These are the first accessories available in the country to offer both blood pressure and ECG monitoring.

The Samsung Health Monitor app will also be available on the Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Watch Active2 via a software update in the coming months.

Samsung Australia says ECG monitoring on compatible Galaxy watches is registered as a medical device with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) when connected to a compatible Galaxy smartphone.

ECG tracking features electrocardiogram reading, displaying heart rhythm as either atrial fibrillation (AFib) or sinus rhythm.

“We know that everyone wants access to the best in health technology to not only allow them to keep track of their fitness goals, but critically, to be aware of their general health and wellbeing,” Samsung Electronics Australia head of content and services mobile division Mark Hodgson explains.

According to a study cited by Samsung Australia, it is estimated that around 33.5 million people worldwide are affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common form of abnormal heart rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the underlying or associated cause of over 14,000 deaths in Australia, contributing to 9.0% of total deaths.

The electrocardiogram function works by recording the heart’s electrical activity via a sensor on the compatible Galaxy Watch. First, users must open the Samsung Health Monitor app.

Next, rest the forearm on a flat surface and lightly place a fingertip from the opposite hand on the top button on the smartwatch for 30 seconds.

The app will then measure the users heart rate and rhythm, which will be displayed as either a Sinus Rhythm (a normal, regular heartbeat) or AFib (when the heart beats irregularly). Users can also export this data to PDF.

The ECG app feature was included in the ARTG as a Class lla medical device. Devices undergo a rigorous approval process to be included in the ARTG to ensure that the safety of the device is acceptable and performs as intended, confirming the Essential Principles which is a set of fundamental design and manufacturing requirements for medical devices.

High blood pressure affects one-in-three people aged 18 and over in Australia and two-thirds of adults with high blood pressure are undiagnosed. This is commonly linked to brain, kidney and heart diseases, and if left untreated, it can lead to stroke and heart failure.

The blood pressure monitoring feature on the Galaxy Watch helps users to track their general health by allowing them to measure blood pressure from their smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy must install the Samsung Health Monitor app onto their Galaxy smartphone and connect it to their compatible Galaxy Watch.

To monitor blood pressure on the Galaxy Watch device, users will need to first calibrate with a traditional cuff. They will then be able to tap to “Measure” the blood pressure.

The device measures blood pressure through pulse wave analysis, which is tracked with the Heart Rate Monitoring sensors. The program then records the relationship between the calibration value and the blood pressure change to determine the blood pressure.

To ensure accuracy, users are required to calibrate their device at least every 28 days. Once the calibration and set-up process are completed, users can access this information and export measurements to PDF.

Samsung’s latest watch series also introduces a range of general health and wellbeing solutions including body composition with key measurements like skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body water, and body fat percentage.

The watch features sleep tracking designed to detect the sounds of a person’s snores and get their blood oxygen level while resting to provide Sleep Scores that help users sleep better.

Galaxy Watch4 includes fall detection, which helps identify a potential fall and can send an SOS notification to chosen emergency contacts.

Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic will be available from 10 September 2021.

Galaxy Watch4 will come in 40mm and 44mm, starting at A$399 for Bluetooth versions and A$499 for LTE models. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic will start at A$549 for Bluetooth versions and $649 for LTE models and will be available in 42mm and 46mm variants in black and silver.

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