Cover Image for How the Apple Watch Changed My Life for the Better.
Wed Oct 02 2024

How the Apple Watch Changed My Life for the Better.

Have you ever been on the brink of death? I have; I had a heart attack at 33. Since then, the Apple Watch has been crucial on multiple occasions to save my life.

The experience of nearly dying can change a person's perspective on health and technology. In November 2020, a pivotal moment made the author aware of how vital technology is in daily life. Although he had heard how the Apple Watch has saved lives, he never imagined that he would need to use it in the same way. However, the reality is that the device became a fundamental tool for the reconstruction of his health after facing a medical crisis.

On November 27, 2020, at 3 a.m., the author woke up with a strong heartbeat, initially believing he was having a heart attack. The emotional pressure accumulated after losing his father a few months earlier and his family history of various diseases had begun to affect his health. After undergoing an angioplasty, which involved placing a stent in a blocked artery, a new chapter in his life began, focusing on his physical well-being, where the Apple Watch would play a crucial role.

Although he had worn an Apple Watch for years, during his mourning period he switched to an analog watch in tribute to his father. Later, he felt that this change was a mistake, as the Apple Watch could have alerted him to his health status before the crisis. Upon leaving the hospital, he acquired the Series 6 model, which became indispensable in his effort to improve his well-being.

Recovery from a heart attack includes facing health anxiety, which often arises from uncertainty. Over the years, Apple has designed multiple features on the Apple Watch for health emergencies, and the author attests to the effectiveness of these tools. Among the highlights is the Medical ID, which allows paramedics to quickly access his medical records and medications. This crucial function prevented the administration of medications that could have caused dangerous interactions.

Cardiac rehabilitation also involved regaining his physical strength. The Apple Watch proved useful in this process, especially its fall detection feature, which alerted emergency services on two occasions. Similarly, heart rate monitoring became an essential tool for checking his health, facilitating adjustments to his medications under the supervision of his cardiologist.

In addition to its emergency capabilities, the Apple Watch offers a valuable set of features that benefit people with chronic medical conditions. Features like heart rate monitoring, which became crucial at night, were essential for doctors to adjust his treatment.

Over the years, Apple has expanded its health features on the Apple Watch, integrating applications that address holistic aspects of well-being. Recent updates have introduced functions like meditation and sleep tracking, which have been helpful in managing anxiety and detecting underlying issues.

Over time, the author has found in the Apple Watch an invaluable ally in his life and health, evident when recalling how the device has saved his life on several occasions. The continuous evolution of its health tools gives him confidence in its future use, as it promises to continue playing a crucial role in managing his well-being.