Apple Watch ECG detects heart defect in pregnant woman › Macerkopf

The Apple Watch's ECG feature has once again proven its potential to save lives. For example, Rachel Manalo, an expectant mother, discovered a serious heart condition thanks to her Apple Watch, leading to timely medical treatment that protected both her and her unborn child.

Persistent symptoms lead to ECG with the Apple Watch

At 18 weeks pregnant, Manalo began to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. As the discomfort persisted, she decided to use the ECG function on her Apple Watch to better assess the situation. The electrocardiogram showed an alarming heart rate of 150 beats per minute that lasted for over 40 minutes.

As ABC News San Diego reports, the Apple Watch advised Manalo to see a doctor. The doctor then discovered that she had ventricular tachycardia, a condition in which the lower part of the heart does not function properly and the oxygen level in the blood drops.

Dr. Nguyen, Manalo's doctor, explained the seriousness of the situation: “This type of heart problem, if left untreated, can lead to a heart attack.” And then there is the fact that she was pregnant.” The doctor stresses the importance of data from devices such as the Apple Watch for timely diagnosis and treatment. After the diagnosis, Manalo followed the recommended medical procedures, which led to a healthy outcome of the pregnancy.

The ECG feature, which proved crucial in this case, is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, with the exception of the SE versions. While the Apple Watch cannot replace regular check-ups, it can serve as a valuable tool to alert users to potential health issues.