A young woman who ignored her symptoms of a heart condition was eventually diagnosed after utilizing an app on her iPhone.
Caite Smith came across a video on social media advising individuals to record their heartbeat using the iPhone’s microphone and input the beats per minute into the Health app. The 21-year-old recognized that her heart rate was too fast and sought medical help.
Hailing from Merseyside, Caite credited the technique with saving her life as she was soon diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. Initially attributing her symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, to anxiety, Caite emphasized the importance of the discovery.
Expressing her shock, Caite, a bartender, recounted, “I was taken aback when I heard how fast my heart was beating. It felt abnormal to me. Repeated checks confirmed the consistent fast beating. However, being young, I was unsure of the cause or severity.”
Deciding to share a video of her heartbeat on TikTok, Caite garnered significant attention, with millions of views and likes. She highlighted how her heart’s rapid pace, causing her shirt to move, was accompanied by anxiety.
Identifying her symptoms as characteristic of Graves’ disease, an overactive thyroid condition, Caite underwent treatment to regulate her heart rate and reduce hormone production through medication and radioactive iodine therapy.
Reflecting on her diagnosis, Caite expressed fear and shock, emphasizing the lack of familial health history related to heart problems. Despite losing weight during her health ordeal, she aims to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help if they sense something amiss.
Caite concluded, “Sharing my experience is to underline that seemingly innocuous online activities can hold deeper significance. It was comforting to see others with similar issues engage with my story. I advise conducting the test in a quiet setting while at rest to clearly hear your heartbeat. Any unusual sensations should prompt a professional evaluation.”
