Samsung has announced that the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature has finally now been made available on the Samsung Health Monitor app in Malaysia. Coupled with the app’s existing Blood Pressure and Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring capabilities, the IHRN feature checks for irregular heart rhythms in the background and warns the user of potential atrial fibrillation (AFib) activity.
So, what’s AFib?
According to mayoclinic.org, AFib is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. An irregular heart rhythm is also known as an arrhythmia. AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart and also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, as well as other heart-related complications.
During AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, also called atria, beat in a chaotic and irregular manner. They beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, called the ventricles.
AFib usually has no symptoms, at least for the majority of people. However, it may cause one’s heart to pound fast, and experience shortness of breath or light-headedness. AFib cases are usually not life-threatening but are a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke.
Which Galaxy Watch models support IHRN in Malaysia?
Samsung Malaysia did not specify which Galaxy Watch models can support the IHRN feature. However, those that come with an ECG and Blood Pressure Monitor should be applicable, including the latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
What about non-Samsung alternatives?
If you recall, the Apple Watch Series 4 was the first smartwatch to be FDA-approved for detecting AFib. Since then, the Apple Watch Series 5 and beyond, as well as the Watch SE and Watch Ultra series all support AFib detection too.
Garmin, one of the leading fitness tracking device makers, also features models that sport AFib detection. The Garmin Venu 3 Series, Fenix 7 Pro Series, Quatix 7 Pro, and Fenix 8 series are just some of the models that support AFib detection.
