An Apple Watch saved a dentist’s life — here’s how

Apple Watch 7 heart rate monitor
(Image credit: Future)

An Apple Watch has been credited with saving the life of a dentist after the wearable detected irregularities in the user’s heart rhythm. 

Reported by the Hindustan Times, Nitesh Chopra, a dentist in India, felt chest pains which prompted him to use the electrocardiogram (ECG) function of the Apple Watch Series 6. After getting troubling results, he consulted a doctor with the Watch’s data and was shocked to discover he had a blocked artery. 

Thankfully, as the issue had been caught early he was able to receive treatment and is now on the mend. Nitesh said he felt “blessed” and “can’t express” his thanks to his Apple Watch for helping him discover something was wrong at an early stage. With health problems such as a blocked artery, the earlier the issue is detected the less likely it is to cause significant damage. 

"Initially I used Apple Watch as a fashion accessory and to check the time and my step count, and could not imagine that one day it will save my life," said Nitseh. The dentist was also impressed with the accuracy of the wearable’s readings. He was able to compare them against the ECG results taken at the hospital and noticed “they were in sync.” 

The feel-good story has even attracted the attention of Apple CEO Tim Cook. Nitesh wrote to Cook personally to express his thanks for the Apple Watch, and Cupertino's boss responded: “I'm very glad you sought clinical evaluation and received the care you desired. Thank you for sharing your story with us."

This is not the first the Apple Watch has been credited with saving someone’s life. In the past the smartwatch has helped user’s detect all kinds of issues including lung cancer and thyroid problems. While a smartwatch should not be your singular source of medical advice, it’s a powerful tool that can help you detect health problems in the early stages, which can make all the difference. 

Earlier this year a nursing student took to TikTok to encourage Apple Watch users to enable heart rate monitoring after she was diagnosed with a serious condition that the wearable had previously detected. Now that's one very smart watch. 

Rory Mellon
Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team. 

Read more
The Apple Watch Series 10 on a user's wrist showing a colorful orange and pink home screen
Apple just lost the wearables crown to this major rival as Apple Watch shipments tumble by over 3 million
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 just got FDA approval for pulse detection feature — here's when it's coming
apple watch 4
Apple Watch escapes U.S. import ban after court victory in patent case
The Apple Watch Series 10 on a user's wrist showing a colorful orange and pink home screen
5 features to try first on your new Apple Watch
Apple Watch Ultra 2 on a person's wrist outside
Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch 11 rumored to finally get this long-awaited health tracking feature
A photo of the Apple Watch 9 worn on the ankle
I tried the Apple Watch ankle trend — here’s why I’d never do it again
Latest in Smartwatches
apple watch 4
Apple Watch escapes U.S. import ban after court victory in patent case
Apple Watch Ultra 2 on a black silicone strap and Amazfit T-Rex 3 on an orange silicone strap shown side-by-side on a user's wrist
I walked 10,000 steps with Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 —here's the winner
Close up of the Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch showing the maps feature
I just tested the Amazfit Active 2 — 7 things you should know about my favorite smartwatch under $100
The Circular Ring 2, up close, with half of the device slightly obstructed by orange glass in the foreground
Circular Ring 2 is now available to pre-order — and you could save up to $310 right now
Close up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch on an orange silicone strap
I just went hands-on with the Amazfit T-Rex 3 and it could be my new favorite wallet-friendly rugged smartwatch
Garmin golf watch
I played a golf round with the Garmin Approach S50 smartwatch, and it's fantastic — here's why
Latest in News
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air leak reveals a design that's thicker than we thought
Sterling K. Brown in Paradise
Hulu top 10 shows — here's the 3 worth watching right now
iPhone 16
Hoping for a new iPhone 16 color? Here's why that's looking unlikely
iOS Photos app
iOS 18.4 Photos update makes it easier to sort, hide and delete your photos on iPhone — here’s what you can do
Dyson Purifier Cool (TP11) in office
Dyson just launched its new high-tech air purifier — right in time for allergy season
Nvidia RTX 5090
RTX 5060 breaks cover in Acer gaming PC — is Nvidia’s next GPU launch imminent?