Apple Watch Vitals App saved life: How is smartwatch becoming a lifesaver?

In today’s fast-paced world, smartwatches are no longer just a style statement or fitness tracker. They have become companions to our health, capable of helping detect life-threatening illnesses. Recently, the story of a woman in New Zealand proved just how impactful and life-saving the Apple Watch Vitals app can be. This incident once again highlights the growing synergy between technology and healthcare. In this article, we’ll dive into the incident, understand how the Vitals app works, and explore whether other smartwatches offer similar features. We’ll also discuss how essential smartwatches can be for health today. Let’s begin!

What Exactly Happened?

Dr. Amanda Faulkner, a psychiatrist in New Zealand over the age of 40, has always been health-conscious. She regularly tracked her fitness and health data using an Apple Watch Series 10, which had the recently launched Vitals app installed. This app monitors heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level (SpO2), and sleep patterns.

One day, her Apple Watch began repeatedly alerting her to an abnormal heart rate. Her normal resting heart rate was 55 beats per minute (BPM), but that day it consistently reached 90 BPM. Initially, Dr. Faulkner dismissed it as a technical glitch. But as the alerts kept coming and she didn’t feel any notable physical change, she decided to take it seriously and consulted her doctor.

The doctor immediately ordered tests, including blood work and other diagnostic procedures. The results were shocking—Dr. Faulkner was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rare and fast-progressing blood cancer. This disease is so dangerous that if not detected early, it could be life-threatening. Doctors stated that the timely alert from the Apple Watch played a crucial role in saving her life. Treatment began immediately, and her condition is now improving.

What Is the Apple Watch Vitals App and How Does It Work?

The Vitals app is a new feature introduced with watchOS 11 that provides users with real-time health data. It uses the smartwatch’s sensors to track several vital health parameters and alerts the user if anything abnormal is detected. Here’s a detailed look at how it works:

1. Heart Rate Monitoring

The Vitals app monitors your heart rate 24/7, not just during exercise but also while resting. If your heart rate becomes too high or too low compared to your normal range, it sends a notification. In Dr. Faulkner’s case, a sudden increase in heart rate triggered the alert.

2. Respiratory Rate

This feature tracks your breathing rate, especially during sleep. If there’s any irregularity—like signs of sleep apnea—the user is notified. It’s particularly helpful for those unaware of underlying respiratory issues.

3. Blood Oxygen Level (SpO2)

The Apple Watch sensors measure the oxygen level in your blood. A dangerously low oxygen level can signal serious health issues. The Vitals app tracks this data and alerts the user to any abnormal readings.

4. Sleep Tracking

The app monitors your movements and health metrics while you sleep, tracking not only the duration but also the quality of sleep. Any hidden health issues can potentially be identified through sleep data.

How Do Alerts Work?

The Vitals app creates a baseline based on your past data. For instance, if your typical resting heart rate is 50–60 BPM and it suddenly jumps to 90 BPM, the app considers this unusual and sends you a notification. However, it is not a medical device and doesn’t diagnose illnesses. Its goal is to prompt timely medical consultation.

Do Other Smartwatches Offer Similar Alerts?

While Apple Watch is a leader in this space, it’s not the only smartwatch with health-monitoring features. Several other brands offer capabilities that help keep tabs on your well-being. Here’s a look at some popular options:

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series offers heart rate, SpO2, and ECG monitoring. Although it lacks a dedicated app like Vitals, it still provides real-time alerts and health tracking.

2. Fitbit

Fitbit devices are well-known for sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. With a Fitbit Premium subscription, users get deeper health insights and notifications of unusual patterns.

3. Garmin

Garmin smartwatches are designed with athletes and fitness enthusiasts in mind. They monitor heart rate, stress levels, and breathing rate, although they focus more on performance than medical insights.

What Makes Apple Watch Special?

Despite the competition, the Apple Watch stands out due to its user-friendly interface and advanced alert system. Its integration with the iPhone’s Health app and the broader Apple ecosystem makes it even more powerful.

Smartwatches and Healthcare: A New Era

Dr. Faulkner’s story is not unique. Over the past few years, Apple Watch and other smartwatches have helped save many lives. For example:

• In 2018, a man was alerted to an irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation), helping him avoid a heart attack.
• In 2022, a woman discovered she had sleep apnea through her smartwatch, allowing her to get treatment.

These cases show that smartwatches are no longer just gadgets—they’ve become crucial health tools. They’re especially valuable for those with heart conditions, diabetes, or respiratory problems.

Should You Consider Getting a Smartwatch?

If you’re health-conscious or have a family history of illness, a smartwatch can be a wise investment. It helps you stay fit and provides timely alerts that could prevent serious issues. But keep a few things in mind:

• Consult a doctor: Take alerts seriously, but don’t self-diagnose.
• Choose the right device: Pick a smartwatch based on your specific health needs and features.
• Ensure data privacy: Make sure your health data stays secure.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Vitals app proved life-saving for Dr. Amanda Faulkner, showing that technology is now more than just a convenience—it can be a lifeline. These devices monitor our health and alert us in time, potentially saving lives. If you have a smartwatch and it has ever given you a health alert, share your story in the comments. Your experience could inspire someone else!

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