Galaxy Watch will now tell you your ticker's off with heart rate notifications

This morning, Samsung announced that irregular heart rate notifications will make their way to Galaxy Watches via the Samsung Health Monitor app. The new feature works to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by monitoring users’ heart rates for irregularities. When an irregular heart rate is detected, users will receive a notification. This can clue them into concerns they may need to share with a doctor. As always, Samsung does not intend for the device to serve as a replacement for official medical care or to be relied on for detection or diagnosis of a serious condition. Instead, the new feature will help users keep a closer eye on their heart health between doctor visits.

Though the Samsung Galaxy Watch is far from the first wearable to provide irregular heart rate notifications, the feature is an exciting addition to Samsung’s health platform. It will arrive first on the new Galaxy Watch Series 6 models slated to land later this year with One UI 5 Watch on board. According to Samsung, it will then filter down to older models over time.

Of the more than 70 markets with access to the Samsung Health Monitor app, 13 will see irregular heart rate notifications starting this summer. The final list of eligible regions includes the US thanks to the feature’s clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration. Likewise, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has approved the feature as well.

In addition to the US and Korea, the following markets can expect to see the new feature:

• Argentina
• Azerbaijan
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Panama
• UAE