This isn’t the first time the Apple Watch has saved someone’s life. Over the past few years, there have been several stories of the device alerting users to life-threatening heart conditions. Recently, the Apple Watch helped an eight-week pregnant woman by notifying her of a potential health crisis in time so she could seek help.

According to a report by ABC, the Apple Watch helped save the life of pediatric cardiologist Rachel Manalo and her unborn baby. Manalo, who was 33 weeks pregnant at the time, used the watch’s EKG function to monitor her heart after experiencing frequent episodes of rapid heartbeats. She had been feeling dizzy, short of breath and unusually tired for several weeks, but she ignored the symptoms at first, assuming it was just part of her pregnancy.

Being a cardiologist, Manalo knew her symptoms were unusual, but it wasn’t until her heart rate reached 150 beats per minute – which is much higher than the normal range of 60-100 – that she became concerned. Her Apple Watch’s EKG reading flagged an “indeterminate” result, which led her to seek immediate medical help.

At UCLA, specialists confirmed that she was suffering from ventricular tachycardia, a condition in which the lower chambers of the heart fail to pump blood efficiently. The heart was under extra strain as it was working for both her and her baby, a condition that could lead to a heart attack if left untreated.

Maternal and fetal medicine specialist Tina Nguyen praised the Apple Watch for detecting the problem in time. “This type of heart problem during pregnancy can be life-threatening,” she said. Nguyen stressed that health devices like smartwatches provide helpful data, but patients should always consult a doctor to properly understand the information.

After the evaluation, Manalo had to undergo an emergency C-section at 34 weeks. Despite the sudden turn of events, the procedure went smoothly. Her daughter, Samantha, weighed four pounds, five ounces and is now a healthy, happy two-year-old girl.
Manalo’s heart condition was treated with medications and minor surgery after the birth. Recalling the experience, she credits the timely intervention of her smartwatch, which alerted her to the danger, ultimately saving both her and her baby’s lives.