Apple Watch Rescues Hockey Wales CEO Paul Wapham’s Life Amidst Heart Attack
Envision your typical morning run transforming into a life-altering experience. For 42-year-old Paul Wapham, the CEO of Hockey Wales, this scenario unfolded unexpectedly. Despite his dedication to fitness and an absence of apparent health risks, Wapham was struck by an intense chest pain that brought him to his knees.
In a swift and decisive response, Wapham utilized his Apple Watch to contact his wife, Laura, who promptly rushed him to the hospital. The diagnosis revealed a staggering reality – a heart attack triggered by a blocked artery. Medical professionals promptly conducted an emergency angioplasty, resolving the blockage and inserting a stent to facilitate smooth blood flow.
The complexities in Wapham’s health journey didn’t conclude there. Complications arose as he developed pulmonary edema, a lung condition. The hospital staff, roused from their early morning slumber, responded promptly, ultimately saving Wapham’s life.
Following six days of recovery in the hospital, Wapham expressed gratitude for the exceptional care he received, acknowledging the shock experienced by his wife during the ordeal. Beyond his role as the CEO of Hockey Wales, Wapham boasts a 20-year career in the sports industry.
Wapham’s experience mirrors other instances where an Apple Watch played a pivotal role in saving lives. One notable story is that of Adam Croft, a 36-year-old man from Flitwick in Bedfordshire, UK. In 2023, Croft discovered that his Apple Watch had been alerting him throughout the night about his heart being in atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious heart condition with potential severe consequences.
Despite having no prior knowledge of AFib and experiencing no symptoms, Croft’s Apple Watch enabled him to seek help early, preventing a serious medical event. Confirming the diagnosis at the hospital, doctors initiated medication to control his heart rhythm and reduce the risk of stroke. Croft, grateful for his survival, credits his Apple Watch with saving his life.
The Apple Watch proves to be a powerful tool for promoting health and safety. Owners are encouraged to activate the irregular heart rhythm notification feature to receive alerts about conditions like AFib, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.
