Oklahoma Teen Discovers Heart Problem Thanks To Apple Watch

Stratford teen, Skylar Joslin, received an Apple watch from his mother, Liz, two years ago. At the time, neither realized the device would change Skylar’s life.

“It started whenever I was just in class and my heart rate was at 190 and my Apple watch notified me. It told me that it was high. I was like, ‘huh, this don't seem right.’ So, I texted mom,” Skylar said.

Liz said she rushed her son to the hospital.

“They referred us to the specialists the next day, and then they confirmed that I did have SVT,” Skylar said.

Skylar eventually went into surgery.

Liz said she was shocked such a healthy young man could have a heart disease.

“I was really confused because my child is an athlete. He's so athletic. He's very healthy. He is a healthy eater for the most part,” Liz said.

However, Skylar’s diagnosis, SVT, is a congenital heart disease, meaning it is present at birth.

Skylar said he hasn’t experienced negative symptoms.

“He always has reminded me that there is a reason. There is a reason for it,” Liz said of her son.

Two healthy years later, Skylar and Liz have found that reason. 

Skylar will be the face of the Southeastern Oklahoma Heart Walk on April 25.

“Heart disease has this perception that you get it because it's something you've done to yourself, but it's not always the case,” Steven Embree with the American Heart Association said.

Embree said the organization is hoping Skylar’s story shows people why researching heart disease is so important.

“When we hear stories like Skylar's, it's an opportunity for us to show these are people who are born with something,” Embree said.

Anyone can participate in the heart walk with Skylar and donate to heart research.

Liz said she recommends everyone check their pulse regularly, either manually or with a device.

“You do not have to be overweight and unhealthy. You can be an athlete and healthy and do everything that you should be doing to be heart healthy and still have heart disease,” Liz said.