Life-Saving Tech: ECG feature in smart watch detects atrial fibrillation in woman, check about condition

New Delhi: Can Apple watches really detect heart complications? Well, this notion was cleared when an Apple watch recently proved to be a lifesaver for an elderly woman by detecting an irregular heartbeat that led to timely medical intervention. One of the most famous health-tracking capabilities, the Apple Watch’s ECG (electrocardiogram) is renowned for its advanced technology to detect steps, sleep and blood oxygen levels. The ECG feature in the watch successfully identified a condition called atrial fibrillation that prompted the woman to seek urgent medical attention.

The incident was shared on social media by Nikias Molina who wrote that this incident took place with his grandmother’s Apple Watch Series 10 detected an irregular heartbeat, leading to a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Atrial fibrillation is a condition that can lead to severe health complications if it is left untreated. As per Molina’s tweet, the Apple Watch’s ECG (electrocardiogram) feature alerted his grandmother about an irregularity in her heartbeat after which they sought immediate 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.

I still can’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/KK2kqhL0Kb

— Nikias Molina (@NikiasMolina) October 8, 2024

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (Afib), is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that begins in the upper chambers of the heart, according to Cleveland Clinic. With Aifb, your heart’s electrical system does not work as it should. Apart from a steady, regular pattern of electrical impulses firing, many different impulses fire rapidly at the same time. Due to this the heart beats fast and is a chaotic rhythm in your atria instead of a regular rhythm in the atria instead of a regular rhythm and pace.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

• Extreme fatigue.
• An irregular heartbeat.
• Heart palpitations.
• A feeling of butterflies
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fainting (syncope).
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Chest pain (angina).