A routine training session took an unexpected turn for a triathlon runner after his Apple Watch detected signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The alert prompted him to seek medical attention, eventually leading doctors to discover an underlying congenital heart condition that required open-heart surgery.
The story was recently highlighted by Apple as part of its series showcasing how people used Apple Watch health and safety features in real-life situations.
According to Apple, Connor was training for a triathlon when he began noticing that his performance was declining despite maintaining his exercise routine. During one training session, his heart rate reportedly climbed to around 219 beats per minute.
Concerned by the unusually high reading, he used the ECG app on the Apple Watch. The result indicated signs of atrial fibrillation. Further medical examinations revealed a congenital heart condition that Connor had not previously known about. He subsequently underwent open-heart surgery to address the problem and has since recovered.
“It was this underlying health condition which I didn't know I had. I had open-heart surgery. Almost like I've got a new engine in. I can't say enough good things about the Apple Watch; it’s amazing,” Connor said.
The ECG feature allows compatible Apple Watch models to record the heart's electrical signals and provide information about its rhythm. The feature is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra models.
According to Apple, the ECG function is designed to help users identify signs that need medical attention. It is not intended to replace a clinical ECG or a doctor's assessment.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Some people experience symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath, while others may have no noticeable symptoms.
Apple also cautions that its Watch cannot detect every episode of an irregular rhythm and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical care.
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Connor’s experience adds to a growing number of stories surrounding smartwatch health features. Apple previously highlighted cases involving fall detection and other safety functions, while research also examined the accuracy of wearable ECG technology for identifying AFib.
For Apple, such stories demonstrate the broader role the Watch can play beyond fitness tracking. For users, however, the key takeaway is that an unusual reading should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than treated as a diagnosis.