Over the years, The Apple Watch real-time alerts for irregular heart rates, blood oxygen levels, and automatic emergency notifications have saved countless lives. In a recent incident, the Apple Watch once again demonstrated its life-saving potential by detecting an elderly woman’s irregular and fast heartbeat, prompting her to seek immediate medical help. This quick action ultimately saved her life.
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Timely Detection Saves a Life
On October 8, 2024, Nikias Molina, a tech enthusiast, shared on X (formerly Twitter) how his Apple Watch Series 10 played a critical role in saving his grandmother’s life. The device detected signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Molina’s Apple Watch alerted him to his grandmother’s abnormal heart activity, urging her to seek medical attention.
“My Apple Watch Series 10 detected my grandmother’s atrial fibrillation today using the ECG feature. She’s now at the hospital and receiving the care she needs,” Molina wrote. He expressed his amazement, adding, “I still can’t believe it.”
How the Watch Works
Molina shared screenshots of the alert from his Apple Watch, which indicated an average heart rate of 61 BPM, accompanied by a warning: “This ECG shows signs of AFib.” The alert advised the woman to consult a doctor immediately. It’s important to note that the Apple Watch doesn’t detect heart attacks, but it can monitor for various heart-related issues like AFib and provide early warnings.
A Growing Legacy of Life-Saving Alerts
The story quickly gained attention on social media. Since its posting on October 9, Molina’s message has garnered over 1.1 million views, with many users commenting on their own life-saving experiences with the Apple Watch. The device has repeatedly proven to be more than just a fitness tracker, evolving into a powerful health tool that can alert users to medical issues before they become life-threatening.
Public Reactions to the Post
The response to Molina’s post has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people sharing similar stories about how Apple Watch technology has made a significant impact on their lives. One user commented, “This is one of the reasons I switched to Apple. They’re making a huge difference with products like these. Now the AirPods act as hearing aids, and satellite texting is saving lives too.”
Another person added a heartfelt story: “I had the same experience with my mom’s Apple Watch when it detected her AFib. At first, the doctors couldn’t find anything with their machines, but thanks to the watch’s early warning, further tests confirmed AFib. My mom’s alive because of it.”
Others joined the conversation, sharing how Apple’s technology had helped them or their loved ones in emergencies. One user recalled how the Apple Watch’s crash detection feature saved a friend who had been in a severe car accident. The watch automatically notified emergency services, which helped rescue the driver after his car flipped over.