Apple Watch Saves Pregnant Woman and Her Unborn Child, Highlighting the Device’s Growing Role in Healthcare
Over the years, stories about how Apple Inc.’s AAPL Apple Watch helped detect medical conditions and is credited with saving lives have surfaced. A new story highlights the watch saving the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, further solidifying the device’s growing role in healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
- A pregnant cardiologist, Rachel Manalo, used her Apple Watch to detect an irregular heart rate, leading to an emergency C-section at 34 weeks.
- Manalo’s Apple Watch showed "inconclusive" on an EKG, indicating a potential medical emergency with her heart rate reaching 150 beats per minute.
- The Apple Watch alerted Manalo to seek medical attention, potentially saving her life and her baby’s.
- This story highlights how wearable technology can empower individuals to proactively monitor their health and seek timely medical intervention.
- More doctors are now encouraging patients to share data from wearable devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits, as it can provide valuable insights into their overall health.
The Apple Watch’s Role in Detecting a Life-Threatening Condition
Rachel Manalo, a pediatric cardiologist, experienced unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness throughout her 2022 pregnancy, even while only 18 weeks along. These symptoms intensified as her pregnancy progressed, prompting her to investigate further.
While 33 weeks pregnant, Manalo used her Apple Watch to take an EKG, which showed "inconclusive," suggesting a possible medical emergency. Her heart rate was alarmingly high, reaching 150 beats per minute for over 40 minutes, significantly exceeding the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
This reading from her Apple Watch prompted Manalo to seek medical attention at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
"That type of heart issue, if not taken care of, can lead to a heart attack. And then you add on that she was pregnant," UCLA fetal medicine specialist Dr. Tina Nguyen said.
Nguyen emphasized that having access to data from wearable devices, like heart rate and blood pressure readings, can greatly benefit patient care, improving diagnoses and treatment plans.
A Growing Trend: Wearable Technology in Healthcare
Manalo’s story is not an isolated incident. Doctors are increasingly recognizing the potential of wearable technology in healthcare. They are encouraging patients to use devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits to track their health data, providing valuable information to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
"I want, you know, the patients to all wear Fitbits, all wear OURA rings and bring me all that information. Just having someone’s blood pressure when they’re at home and their heart rate can really change their pregnancy from the first visit forward. So that information is like gold to me," Nguyen stated.
While the Apple Watch is not a substitute for professional medical advice, it can act as an alert system, prompting individuals to seek medical attention when necessary.
A Life-Saving Device: Stories of Impact
Manalo’s experience is one of many stories where the Apple Watch has played a crucial role in saving lives. Users have shared their experiences of the Apple Watch detecting heart conditions, falls, and other health emergencies, often leading to timely medical interventions.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has even personally responded to some of these life-saving stories, highlighting the impact of the Apple Watch and its role in empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Apple’s Upcoming Event and the Future of Health Tech
Apple is anticipated to unveil its latest Apple Watch and new features at its Glowtime event scheduled for September 9th. With the growing adoption of wearable technology and its increasing role in healthcare, it is likely that the new Apple Watch will offer even more advanced health monitoring features, further enhancing its ability to detect and prevent potential medical issues.
It is important to note that the Apple Watch is not a medical device and should not be used to self-diagnose or treat any medical conditions. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
The Future of Health Tech: Personalized and Proactive Healthcare
Manalo’s story is a powerful testament to the potential of wearable technology in healthcare. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and personalized solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
The rise of wearable devices like the Apple Watch signifies a shift towards proactive healthcare, where individuals play an active role in monitoring their health and seeking early intervention when necessary. This trend has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, leading to earlier detection, improved outcomes, and ultimately, healthier lives.
