Every now and then, we arrive at the same debate — are wearables really helpful? Some see it as a waste of money — a means to flaunt your deeper pockets whereas others find it to be a logical choice over a conventional wristwatch. However, technology is always meant to make life easier and the latest incident in the US has explained the point very clearly.
28-year-old James Green was suddenly notified of an unusual heart rate from the HeartWatch app on his two-year-old Apple Watch. Clubbed with unusual physical symptoms, he decided to visit the doctor and get a proper check-up. The doctor discovered blood clots in his lungs and praised him for reaching on time as he just missed a fatal heart attack.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Green said that he was suffering from a pulmonary embolism. “I got an alert from Heart Watch that my heart rate was continually above my resting heart rate of 54, even when I was just sitting at my desk. That along with other symptoms I was having was enough data I needed to act on it, and realise it wasn’t a panic attack (since I have severe generalised anxiety), that it was something more.”
“Saw my heart rate go up, ended up being a pulmonary embolism,” tweeted Green. “Never thought a stupid lil wrist computer I bought two years ago would save my life,” he wrote in another tweet, thanking the HeartWatch’s developer.
The latest WatchOS 4 update has reduced the number of supported health apps on the first generation Apple Watch. However, David Walsh, the app’s developer, still keeps the app supported for older devices. The app tracks the heart rate continuously, which is one of the greatest features of the app and which eventually ended up saving Green’s life.
This incident proves once again that despite being an expensive accessory, the Apple Watch is a must-have device for fitness freaks. If you are as concerned about your health as James Green, the Apple Watch becomes a necessary addition to your collection of gadgets.
