Teen Saved by Apple Watch After Soccer Game Scare

When 17-year-old Paul Houle from the U.S. began feeling sharp pains in his chest after a soccer game, he knew it was time to use the heart monitor app on his Apple Watch. To his shock, he discovered he was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a condition where his muscles were releasing proteins into his bloodstream that could lead to potential organ failure without immediate treatment.

Houle was quickly rushed to the emergency room, where doctors found that his heart, kidneys, and liver were showing signs of distress. His father, Dr. Paul Houle, a neurosurgeon, explained this was precisely why he had purchased the special watch for his son. "If he hadn’t used the app, he wouldn’t have known there was a problem and likely would have continued his activities as usual," said Dr. Houle. "Thanks to cutting-edge technology, my son knew what to do and was prepared for any emergency. I’ve heard too many stories of young athletes collapsing and dying on the soccer field, and I'm relieved and grateful my son knew what steps to take and is safe."