Samsung Health Monitor BP & ECG with Galaxy Watch5 | Watch5 Pro is now available in Malaysia

6.4 million Malaysians have hypertension, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2019[1], and almost HALF that number are not aware of it, because many do not exhibit the symptoms, unless they have their blood pressure measured. They call hypertension the “silent killer” for a reason.

Unfortunately, only 53% of Malaysia adults had undergone medical check-ups in the past year, according to the Ministry of Health[2], which is not satisfactory. Going for regular check-ups will help you detect any disease or condition even if you feel well, without any symptoms or signs of illness. Early detection, followed by treatment can result in a better prognosis and lowers the risk of severe complications. Routine check-ups are generally recommended[3] to be once every 3 years if you’re under the age of 50 and in good health, and once a year once you turn 50.

Samsung has launched blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) tracking[4] for the Galaxy Watch5 starting 25 Jan in Malaysia. For those who want to elevate their fitness journey, the Galaxy Watch is your ideal personal fitness monitoring device to complement your regular medical check-ups.

Using the Galaxy Watch to measure your blood pressure 

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps, and is done as a part of a routine health check-up or as a screening for hypertension. It’s important to track your blood pressure readings regularly to take proactive steps and lifestyle modifications to improve your blood pressure. Beyond going for your usual check-ups, you use personal monitoring tools to check your blood pressure at home. The Galaxy Watch is built with a Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor inside. You can record your systolic and diastolic pressure, as well as your pulse rate, and record it in the Samsung Health Monitor Blood Pressure app[5].

Device and screen images simulated for illustrative purposes.

How to use:

1.      Set up Samsung Health Monitor[6] on your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone.

2.      Calibrate your Galaxy Watch based on the instructions on the Samsung Health Monitor app.

3.      Wear your Galaxy Watch on the same wrist* as during the calibration and make sure the strap is snug, then measure your blood pressure.

4.      Review your blood pressure measurements.

*Things you need to know before using the Blood Pressure app

Take an ECG reading with your Galaxy Watch 

An ECG is a simple test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, in order to detect irregular rhythms. Sensors are attached to the skin to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats and the information is recorded on a graph. The Galaxy Watch is built with an ECG sensor, while you can use the Samsung Health Monitor ECG app[7] to create, record, save, and export ECG data.

Device and screen images simulated for illustrative purposes.

How to use:

1.      Pair your Galaxy Watch with the Galaxy smartphone.

2.      Wear the Galaxy Watch snugly on your wrist.

3.      Open the Samsung Health Monitor app on your Galaxy Watch.

4.      To take an ECG reading, rest your fingertip of the opposite hand lightly on the Galaxy Watch’s top button for 30 seconds.

5.      The ECG data is synced to the paired Galaxy smartphone where a PDF report is created.

*Things you need to know before using the ECG app

For your Galaxy Watch to work optimally, do follow these important, detailed instructions on how to set up and calibrate your Galaxy Watch, Galaxy smartphone and Samsung Health Monitor app https://www.samsung.com/my/apps/samsung-health-monitor/

Additionally, with your Galaxy Watch, you can measure your Body Composition[8], which shows you your body fat percentage, muscle mass, and body water percentage. With that, you can make the right fitness, nutritional, or lifestyle changes to increase muscle and lose fat.

Level up your lifestyle and fitness journey with the stylish Galaxy Watch today, but remember to always go for regular medical check-ups and get any advice or counsel from your physician!

[1] https://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2019/Report_NHMS2019-NCD.pdf

[2] https://www.thesundaily.my/local/health-awareness-low-as-only-53-underwent-screenings-past-one-year-khairy-YH9458562

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-get-routine-checkups-at-the-doctor#how-often

[4] Registered under Act 737

[5] Samsung Health Monitor Blood Pressure app is a registered medical device in Malaysia (MDA Reg No.: GB9228822-109076). Note that availability of the Blood Pressure app may vary by country. Please read ‘Precautions before use’ and ‘How to use’ steps 1-4. Samsung Health Monitor Blood Pressure app is not intended for any diagnostic purposes regarding hypertension or other heart conditions, or for users under 22 years old. Users should not interpret results, or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The Blood Pressure app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment.

[6] A Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch 4 and later released models)* and Samsung Galaxy smartphone (Android N OS version or higher) are required to use Samsung Health Monitor app. Due to country restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a medical device, Samsung Health Monitor app only works on watches and smartphones purchased in the countries where the service is currently available. However, service may be restricted/unavailable when users travel to non-service countries and do a factory reset of the phone or delete and re-install the Samsung Health Monitor app.

[7] Samsung ECG App: MDA Reg No.: GB9718423-113876

[8] Body composition is supported in Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series and later released Galaxy Watch models only. DO NOT measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. DO NOT measure your body composition if you are pregnant.