seeking input from cardiac patients

[tenordrum]

I was looking at the AW5 or AW4, as I had a heart attack last Saturday, and need to focus a bit more on health. I start a cardiac rehab program in two weeks.
Any input on whether owning the AW5 or AW4 can assist me in getting moving? My wife was concerned as my attack started when I was out walking in the county park trails behind our house, and it could have been worse had I not been able to arrive home. The potential automatic SOS or call features while out are interesting.
Unfortunately, I don't own a more recent iPhone. My work iPhone is a regular 6, not a 6S, which is the minimum required for the latest watches.
thanks in advance.

 

[nippyjun]

I'm pretty sure that any series 4 or 5 that you purchase will have watch os 6 on it which isn't compatible with the regular iphone 6. So you would need to get a used series 4 that hasn't been updated yet or would need a new phone. I'm not 100% sure of this; others here can chime in.

As far as motivation; ether the 4 or 5 could be motivational. There really isn't a difference between them as far as that is concerned. I would recommend cellular for you as the emergency sos feature would be very important.

Good luck with your recovery from the heart attack.

 

[tenordrum]

Thanks much. Feeling great now. Last Saturday, not so much ;-)

The emergency SOS was of interest, otherwise, for motivation, a fit bit would probably do the trick. Any other heart tacking features are also of interest.

I may have to buy my own iPhone, a later model, and just chalk it up to the cost of getting healthy. Far cheaper than another visit to the hospital.

 

[xraydoc]

Thanks much. Feeling great now. Last Saturday, not so much ;-)

The emergency SOS was of interest, otherwise, for motivation, a fit bit would probably do the trick. Any other heart tacking features are also of interest.

I may have to buy my own iPhone, a later model, and just chalk it up to the cost of getting healthy. Far cheaper than another visit to the hospital.

Very glad to hear you're on the mend!

While the Apple Watch ECG feature cannot automatically detect heart attacks, it can detect atrial fibrillation, a condition that can sometimes occur after a heart attack (or can occur on its own). It also can detect persistently elevated and low heart rates, which may be beneficial to you, especially as you adapt to potential new medication following your heart attack.

Apple's gentle move & exercise encouragements can help you get moving, which will help improve blood pressure and weight. You can track distance walked, calories burned, etc.

The SOS/911/fall-detection features may also give you peace of mind should you ever have another emergency.

Of course, a new watch on watchOS 6 will require a newer phone than the iPhone 6, but like you mentioned, far less expensive than another heart attack. Even a baseline iPhone 7 or 8 will meet the requirements, so hopefully less of a financial impact.

Also check with your health insurance company -- some of them are offering discounts on Apple Watches while others are offering store gift $ card rewards and such for meeting move/calorie burn goals once you have an Apple Watch set up. My carrier & plan through Aetna is offering gift cards from several companies such as Best Buy, Walmart, Whole Foods, CVS, Target and Amazon for achieving a certain number of points each week. Can help offset somewhat the price of a new phone & watch.

 

[tenordrum]

Thank you very much for your comprehensive response. I have a call scheduled with a case manager from United Health Care on Friday, and will ask about any potential incentives , although I don't believe I have seen any such program from UHC. I just visited my GP, who showed me her AW4, and she explained some of the fitness related features, and the afib warning. Sounds like I am going to start wearing a watch.