Highlights
- Rachel Manalo, 18 weeks pregnant, used her Apple Watch’s ECG feature to detect a dangerously high heart rate.
- Apple Watch helped in the timely diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia.
- Saved both mother and baby.
No matter how one looks at the latest innovation, technology often comes to our rescue when we need it the most.
This time, the Apple Watch has practically saved not one but two lives.
Rachel Manalo, a pregnant woman, believes her Apple Watch saved both her life and her baby’s life.
As reported by ABC News San Diego, at 18 weeks pregnant, Manalo began feeling her heart racing persistently.
Using the watch’s ECG (electrocardiogram) feature, she discovered her heart rate was 150 bpm for over 40 minutes.
The app urged her to seek medical help.
Soon doctors diagnosed her with ventricular tachycardia—a dangerous condition that could lead to a heart attack.
While speaking to the media, Manalo described how the Apple Watch helped, “I would feel tired, short of breath. […] I click the EKG function on my watch. And then you place your finger on the crown and lay your arm still on the table.”
The ECG result was inconclusive but alarming enough for her to take action.
Her doctor, Dr. Nguyen, explained the severity of the condition, especially during pregnancy.
“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,” said Dr. Nguyen.
Nguyen also didn’t miss the opportunity and highlighted the value of wearable health data.
The Doctor stated that information from devices like the Apple Watch can be useful for doctors to assess potential health issues early.
Thanks to the timely diagnosis, Manalo received treatment and had a healthy pregnancy.
It is important to know that the Apple Watch doesn’t replace professional medical care.
However, features such as ECG available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later (excluding SE models), can alert users to potential health problems and encourage them to seek medical advice.
FAQs
Q1. How can I use the ECG feature on my Apple Watch?
Answer. To use the ECG feature on your Apple Watch (Series 4 and later, excluding SE models), open the ECG app and rest your arm on a table.
Place your finger on the Digital Crown and hold still for 30 seconds.
The watch will record your heart’s electrical activity and provide a reading.
Q2. What is Fall Detection, and how do I enable it on my Apple Watch?
Answer. Fall Detection is a safety feature available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
It detects hard falls and can automatically call emergency services if you don’t respond to the alert.
To enable it, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to “Emergency SOS,” and toggle on “Fall Detection.”
Q3. How do I track my workouts using the Apple Watch?
Answer. To track workouts, open the Workout app on your Apple Watch. Select the type of workout you want to track, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and tap “Start.”
The watch will monitor your activity, including metrics like distance, heart rate, and calories burned.
Also Read: Apple Watch Series 9: Five Features To Admire & Two Reasons for Second Thoughts
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