Millbridge mother Felicity McQueen believes a fitness tracker given to her as a gift, has helped to save her life.
Ms McQueen was given a Fitbit by her partner Darryn in October and while wearing it in November, she discovered her heart rate going up to a disturbing 200 beats per minute.
She also noticed her heart was working overtime, even when resting. She was referred to a cardiologist who ordered a 24-hour test with a device that recorded her heart activity.
The test helped to diagnose Ms McQueen, 35, with atrial fibrillation – a condition where an abnormal heart rhythm stops the heart pumping blood around the body normally.
Symptoms of the condition include sensations of a fluttering heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, chest pains, general malaise, dizziness, an inability to tolerate exercise and fainting spells.
The Heart Foundation notes if left untreated, the condition can cause blood clots that block blood supply to vital organs, leading to a stroke.
Ms McQueen’s cardiologist performed a catheter ablation surgery to burn away the small area of heart tissue responsible for causing the atrial fibrillation.
Ms McQueen said the diagnosis has helped to clarify a lot of her medical history that includes more than 20 years of unexplained fatigue, fainting spells, severe migraines and sensitivity to temperature changes.
She also said her doctors had at times noticed an irregular and high heart rate, but it was never fully investigated until now.
Ms McQueen is expected to undergo more surgery soon and may eventually be fitted with a pacemaker.
An online fundraising page has been set up to help cover her ongoing medical costs, which have already climbed above $10,000. Her health insurance is set to cover only a small portion of the expense.
To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/fitbit-discovers-heart-condition.
