Apple Watch converts heart attack survivor to marathon runner

The Apple Watch is often praised for its features helping in emergency situations, such as detecting heart problems or calling for help after a car accident. In one news report, the wearable's fitness-related features take center stage, by helping transform one individual's life.

43-year-old Billy Smith of Oklahoma suffered a heart attack on March 4, 2020, reports Fox 25, which led to triple bypass open heart surgery a few days later. After the operation, he could barely walk, and that helped trigger a change in his lifestyle.

"Everything changed. That was kind of the worst and best thing that ever happened to me," Smith recounts.

Later, Smith was "scrolling aimlessly on Facebook" while walking to the mailbox, and saw an Apple Watch. He though "You know what? I'm gonna throw that thing on and track my heartbeats."

After walking a few blocks, Smith became obsessed with closing the rings on the Apple Watch. As he grew fitter, he felt emboldened enough to sign up for the virtual version of the OKC Memorial 5K that October.

"It kinda took off from there," he continued. "I got into hiking and camping, and meanwhile I'm trying to close those rings every day. I'm obsessed with it."

To mark World Diabetes Day on November 14th, Smith wanted to share his story to try and encourage others to get fitter and to avoid the health issues he had. Before the attack, Smith was less fit, and was also a diabetic.

"I was more of a couch potato, eating terrible for ya foods and clogging these arteries and became a diabetic along the way, type two diabetes," Smith offers. "After getting active and learning how to take care of all that and moving, I no longer take any diabetic medicine. I'm no longer considered type two."

Smith's story follows after another Diabetes-linked Apple Watch report from November 8, in which Oklahoma-based Judith Luebke was notified of a possible A-FIB instance. The trip to the doctor determined she had diabetes.