Samsung Electronics announced today that it has received FDA clearance for the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature of the Samsung Health Monitor app. The IHRN feature, together with the app’s existing on-demand Electrocardiogram (ECG) function, proactively monitors heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib) right from the users’ wrist. Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics, 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 a potential heart risk, has been cleared by the FDA.” Samsung prioritizes proactive safety solutions and enables users to receive a more holistic understanding of their cardiovascular and overall health.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the world’s leading causes of death, and AFib is widely considered a warning sign for major cardiovascular issues that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. To help users better understand their heart health using the Samsung BioActive Sensor, Galaxy Watch offers tools, including on-demand ECG recording and HR Alert function4 that detects abnormally high or low heart rates. The addition of the new IHRN feature enables Galaxy Watch users to monitor another aspect of their health.

Once activated in the Samsung Health Monitor app, the IHRN feature will check for irregular heart rhythms in the background via Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor. If a certain number of consecutive measurements are irregular, Galaxy Watch warns the user of potential AFib activity, prompting them to take an ECG using their watch for a more accurate measurement. The newly announced One UI 5 Watch will include the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature, which will first be available on the upcoming Galaxy Watch devices later this year and later expand to previous editions.