In 2022, David Heidtman, a 76-year-old resident of Sydney, experienced a life-saving moment while vacationing in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. While enjoying his trip, he received a notification on his smartwatch indicating an irregular heart rate.
Initially dismissing the alert, Heidtman assumed he was simply coming down with the flu or a mild virus. “I started feeling a bit unwell,” he recalled. “I thought it was probably just the flu or a virus of some sort.”
Upon returning home, however, he was advised to consult a cardiologist, leading to a shocking diagnosis: atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 500,000 Australians and is recognized as the second most costly cardiovascular disease in the country. While manageable, AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, with one in four strokes attributed to the condition. Heidtman shared a critical insight from his cardiologist: “It’s not so much the AF as how it puts you at a higher risk of other life-threatening conditions such as blood clots and stroke.”
Following his diagnosis, Heidtman underwent various treatments, including electroshock therapy, which markedly improved his condition.
Continued Treatment and Monitoring
To further minimize his risks, he opted for cardiac ablation in January 2024. Reflecting on his journey, Heidtman noted, “Life’s been terrific; I keep monitoring it with my smartwatch—it alerts me to irregularities.” He emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring, stating, “Without it, I probably would have just chalked it up to feeling sick with a virus or something.”
Experts are increasingly advocating for heightened awareness around atrial fibrillation, a condition deemed a “major public health issue.” In 2020-2021 alone, an estimated $1.4 billion was spent on AF management, with about 5.4% of the Australian population diagnosed with the disorder.
The Role of Wearable Technology
Associate Professor Chrishan Nalliah from MQ Health Cardiology underscored the necessity for further research into AF, particularly in genetic and molecular advancements, to drive breakthroughs in technology related to diagnosis and treatment.
She highlighted the positive impact of wearable devices: “When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers, but wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers can play a critical role in identifying underlying abnormalities in heart rhythm or other health parameters. This can drastically improve the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation.”
Health professionals urge anyone experiencing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling in the ankles, or chest pain to consult their GP for a thorough heart checkup.
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