Sean Elliott, former San Antonio Spurs player and current lead television analyst, is recovering after his Apple Watch detected an irregular heartbeat. His wife, Claudia Zapata-Elliott, shared the news on Instagram. Elliott was not experiencing any symptoms, but his Apple Watch alerted him to Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).
AFib is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. This can potentially lead to a stroke. Elliott sought medical attention at Methodist Healthcare San Antonio.
Cardiologists conducted tests and used a procedure called cardioversion to shock his heart back into rhythm. “Grateful for the gift of health, an Apple Watch, and the very best healthcare system!” Zapata-Elliott said in her post. This incident shows the growing role of wearable technology in personal health monitoring and preventive care.
Elliott’s experience highlights how devices like the Apple Watch can help detect potential health issues early on. Elliott, 56, has faced health challenges before.
Apple Watch alerts Elliott’s AFib
Shortly after winning the NBA championship with the Spurs in 1999, he underwent a kidney transplant due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. His brother Noel donated the kidney. The former Spurs forward is now on the path to recovery from the AFib treatment.
He is eager to continue supporting the Spurs and making community appearances. Elliott played for the Spurs from 1989 to 1993 and again from 1994 to 2001. He was a key member of the team’s 1999 championship run.
The Spurs retired his No. 32 jersey in 2005. Before his NBA career, Elliott starred at the University of Arizona under coach Lute Olson.
He led the Wildcats to the Final Four in 1988 and remains the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,555 points. Arizona’s McKale Center features a statue of Elliott outside the arena.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
