Do you have a smartwatch?
I haven't bought one yet — but this story might just make me consider it.
Usually, we think of our smartwatches as a way to keep in contact with the world. They show us text message notifications, the weather forecast, and they even make good pedometers. But I've never thought about a smartwatch as a lifesaving accessory.
For one man, though, an Apple Watch became exactly that.
James' was relaxing when his watch alerted him that his heart rate was dangerously high, so he called the doctor immediately.
Doing that might just have saved James' life.
Keep reading to learn more.
Thumbnail Photo: Twitter / _jamestgreen
Meet James. According to his website, he's a podcast producer who lives between Chicago and Brooklyn.
James says he purchased an Apple Watch two years ago. He bought it as a fun tech accessory — but he never thought it would save his life.
But it did.
James says his watch alerted him that his heart rate was dangerously high. James wasn't active when his heart rate skyrocketed, so he knew something was wrong.
James called a doctor right away, and it's a good thing he did.
As it turns out, James was suffering from a pulmonary embolism. According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism is a "blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs." It happens when blood clots travel to the lungs, usually from the legs.
A pulmonary embolism can kill you. James did the right thing by calling his doctor right away.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, chest pain similar to that of a heart attack, and a cough. You should always call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
Thankfully, James' doctors were able to treat him. Now, he's home from the hospital and recovering.
Hopefully, with information like this, more people can seek the medical help they need immediately like James did.
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