Smartwatch helps ‘nervous’ fan to solve mystery of racing heartbeat

A FOOTBALL fan was stunned to discover he had a life-changing heart condition after trying on a friend’s smartwatch.

Gary Hanson, 60, had experienced a racing heartbeat for years but blamed it on being “really nervous” about watching his team, Leeds United, play.

However, when a friend asked him to try on his new smartwatch, Mr Hanson was surprised to see that the device told him to “consult your doctor”.

Following tests at a hospital, the grandfather from Worksop was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), a “dangerous” heart condition which is a major cause of strokes.

He has now advised others with worries to consider getting a smartwatch after he was forced to take four different types of medicines to calm his regular palpitations.

“If you buy a smartwatch, that’s the end of the game – it tells you what is happening. Within 30 seconds, it will tell me what my heart is doing,” Mr Hanson said.

“Of course, if your heart is fluttering on a regular basis, the cheaper option is to go to your doctor.”

He added: “I don’t want to be a promoter for the smartwatches but, at the same time, I wouldn’t be without one now if I’m honest.”

The former Tesco store manager said he first began to feel that his heart was beating faster than normal during his mid-50s.

“It just felt like I was really, really nervous all the time,” Mr Hanson added.

British Heart Foundation Medical director Professor Sir Nilesh Samani said more people need to be aware that AF carries a heightened stroke risk. He added that a “staggering” number are now living with the condition.