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When my cardiologist called, she used words I rarely hear. I asked her to hold on as I put my cell phone on speaker so my wife could hear. She repeated, “You were right!”
Many weeks before, after my Apple watch suggested I had Afib, I called my cardiologist, who happened to be on vacation. The doctor on call suggested that I go to a trauma-equipped ER hospital.
I arrived unannounced and explained the reason for my visit. Within 2 minutes, blood was taken, and I was hooked up to an EKG machine. After reading the EKG, they sent me to the waiting room. By the way, I was feeling just fine throughout. But they gave me lots of tests in the hospital, and my cardiologist gave me more a few weeks later. I passed them all, but the mystery remained. Why were my TROPONIN levels so high and not dissipating?
I suggested that I also had unexplained elevated CK levels, another muscle enzyme. She ordered additional blood tests to check both CK and Troponin levels. The blood lab determined that I also had something that caused a false positive for high troponin, caused by my mysterious high CK levels (I guess I’m just one of those people).
The reason for the background information is that I was instructed to include the lab report in the Medical ID and Health app on my phone.
Her concern was the potential of being treated for a heart attack when, maybe, I just had indigestion.
Emergency personnel depend on the information we add to our phones. Keeping it up to date is a task we cannot ignore.
Richard, I’m glad you are doing well after a scare like you experienced. In 2017 I had an episode of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). My FitBit watch caught and I was able to download the trace for the cardiologist – she was impressed. I also use a Kardia device and have matched it with my current cardiologist.
Could you provide a little more detail on how to load medical data in the Health app? I was looking at the app this morning and did not realize all the options.
Cheryl to the rescue.
Here’s a video for the Apple Health App you can walk through at your own pace…(It’s even better if you have an Apple watch).
“How to Use Apple Health App Like a Pro | TIPS & TRICKS”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBfgccsNJ0w
Thanks. I’ll take a look as well. I’m sure I’m not doing it right.
thanks
The essayist Joseph Epstein wrote that at a certain age “Hypochondria is the better part of valor”
Really? That’s what you got out of the story? I don’t ignore warning lights on my car’s dash or things like a failure to backup on my computer. I am always aware so there’s no need to ever be anxious.
Richard, you might have taken that the wrong way. To me that phrase “Hypochondria is the better part of valor” means that as you get older, it’s smarter to be overly cautious about your health (hypochondria) than to take the risk of not getting things checked out (Valor)… I think lol
Richard, glad you took it seriously and everything turned out okay.
BTW, I’ve been meaning to complete the information in the Health app on my phone, but keep forgetting about it. After reading your post, I filled in all my health information & had my husband do the same. Thank you!
Glad I was able to help you finish.
The ACC (American College of Cardiology) says there are no official guidelines yet on how to act on consumer grade ECG alerts, but research shows that Apple Watch and Kardia are pretty good at spotting irregular heartbeats like atrial fibrillation. As a retired physician, I find life without gadgets quite peaceful – if I don’t stick a thermometer in my mouth, I don’t worry about having a fever!
Glad you are OK , but think of the stress you would have avoided by not wearing a watch masquerading as a doctor…
The ER doc disagrees with you. He says the watches are 90% accurate and they bring people in who would not otherwise. Looks like my alert was one of the 10%.
I was never stressed. I felt too good. However, I’m glad I took the advice of my doctors to go to the ER.
These health devices will continue to improve. What I found interesting was how every medical professional took the alert so seriously.
Now I know I have an issue that is quite rare and can avoid any stress next time. I consider that a win.
In addition to all the tests, I signed a zillion forms.
In my case the Watch provided enough info for a helpful discussion with my PCP. And that experience sent me looking for something that was closer to a legit Electronics for Medicine EKG.
But many people approach this 180 degrees from my approach. For some, info from a gadget like these just sparks needless worry. Health, like finance, can be deeply personal too.
Richard,
Thanks for the informative post!
I am glad you are feeling OK.