Millions of Samsung Galaxy Watch3 and Active2 users will be getting heart rate and beat measurements as well as the ability to measure their blood pressure very soon. The Korean tech giant announced their Samsung Health Monitor App will be available across Europe from the 22nd of February 2021. This announcement comes following the app’s CE mark certification in December 2020.
Vital Functionality
A total of 28 countries including Ireland and the UK will gain access to the app that “…[n]early one million people have used to manage their health since its initial launch in Korea last June. Our Galaxy Watch Series is a much-loved product in our Galaxy ecosystem and we are delighted to bring this innovative service to our customers,” said Teg Dosanjh, Director of Connected Services & Technology at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung Health Monitor tracks a user’s heart rate as well as its rhythm. Checking heart-rate and rhythm is done by measuring electrical activity from the heart. The wearer sits still with the watch on a flat surface to begin the 30-second measurement. The app gives a BPM and displays whether the rhythm is normal (sinus) or undergoing AFib (atrial fibrillation). AFib is one of the most common forms of cardiac arrhythmia.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Users will need to have their Galaxy Watch3 or Galaxy Watch Active2 calibrated before they can avail of blood pressure functionality. Calibration is achieved by measuring blood pressure with the traditional cuff method. A home cuff or quick visit to a pharmacy will do. Once its calibrated, you can measure your blood pressure anytime, anywhere. Samsung recommend monthly recalibration for the most accurate readings.
The app then measures blood pressure through pulse wave analysis which uses the heart rate monitoring sensors. It then lines up these values with the calibrated figure to give the user their reading.
Comes with the Update
Samsung Health Monitor app will automatically install when users update their Galaxy Watch3 or Watch Active2 after 22nd February. The app is only available for Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 7.0 or later.
Samsung would like to point out that their app is not a replacement for traditional diagnostic tools. And that their blood pressure monitor and ECG are for use only by individuals of 22 years and older.
