Smartwatch detects heart problem in local businessman

Colin enjoyed a successful career in business as the owner of Scotland’s oldest established hi-fi retailer, Hi-Fi Corner. The Edinburgh store has the longest history as an audio retailer in the UK, with receipts found in the shop dating back to 1926 when it was known as “Nicolson’s Gramophone Saloon”. Colin bought the business after joining in the 1970s and retired from the industry after 50 happy years by selling the business to his son, who continues to operate the business from its new premises in Joppa.

Many people would have considered retirement at this stage, however, Colin embarked on a new career as a business consultant and university lecturer. He gained a master’s degree and professional doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University and has recently become a part-time Professor of business at a Dutch university. These roles, combined with charity work and three active grandchildren, ensured that he remained a busy man.

It was after the wedding of his daughter that he first felt something was wrong. One day he was running around at the ceilidh enjoying ‘Strip the Willow', and the next he was struggling with a cough and lack of energy. He initially blamed the lethargy on a virus. However, six weeks after the coughing had subsided, he was still struggling with a severe deterioration in his general energy levels.

Smartwatch Diagnosis

Colin had been a long-term user of his smartwatch and decided to try the ECG app. This allows the user to record their heartbeat and rhythm using the electrical heart sensor in the watch. The result of Colin’s test was “inconclusive,” which can be a sign of irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms. The graph provided by the app also showed that something was amiss. With his body and watch both indicating that something wasn’t right, Colin felt it was time to act.

“The persisting fatigue and ECG result began to worry me. I think the doctor was a bit surprised at me walking in with the printouts of my heart readings! However, there was no puzzled look when I mentioned the watch, but a clear explanation of what the watch was trying to diagnose.” said Colin.

Speed and Ease of Access to Medical Experts

Colin wanted an expert medical opinion as quickly as possible to understand the severity of his situation.  He decided to ask for a referral to Spire Edinburgh Hospitals as he knew that he could easily access their services through his health insurance. He also trusted the quality of care provide at Spire and preferred to use his insurance rather than increasing the load on the NHS.

With so much experience in the Spire cardiology department, Colin knew he didn’t need to think too hard about choosing a consultant. He chose based on availability and was seen within a couple of weeks by Dr Colin Stirrat, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals.

Colin was given a heart monitor to use over a longer period, a device consisting of wires attached to the torso by stickers and a battery smaller than a mobile phone. This increase in data allowed for a more thorough and reliable examination of Colin’s heartbeat and rhythms. The results showed that Colin was having an extra heartbeat around 25% of the time, resulting in regular swings to his energy levels. After trying non-surgical options without success, it was decided that the most effective solution was a heart ablation.

Colin received treatment at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital a few weeks later. He arrived for his procedure feeling confident that he was in the care of experienced medical experts and relaxed about the procedure ahead of him. The team helped him to feel comfortable by understanding his needs and providing the level of detail he desired, whilst operating cohesively. The procedure was a success and Colin returned home to his family on the same day. For the first time in months his heart rate was showing as normal on his watch.

One week after receiving treatment Colin completed a five-hour hike with a heavy backpack on a sunny day on the island of Eigg. He remembers reflecting that he would have been unable to complete the walk, or enjoy such a moment, just a couple of weeks earlier.

“My consultant, Dr Stirrat, and the team at Spire made the process painless and understandable while successfully rectifying a debilitating condition.

Just when I think old age is catching up with me, the people at Spire give me a new lease of life. I can ‘strip the willow’ at my next ceilidh and have the energy to look after my business and grandchildren.”

Colin and with his Granddaughter after the procedure at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals

Cardiology programme at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals

Spire’s dedicated Cardiologists treat heart problems at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital. They offer a comprehensive clinical investigation unit for non-invasive cardiac diagnostics, providing the team with a full understanding of what is causing your condition and how it can be treated.

There is a cardiac catheterisation lab for more complex interventions including stents, pacemakers, and electrophysiology. General heart health assessments aimed at improving your long-term heart health are also available.

Spire Shawfair Park was opened in 2010 and underwent an £8m refurbishment project in 2022, allowing for an enhanced treatment choice and faster access for Scottish patients, while Spire have been delivering outstanding healthcare in Edinburgh for 40 years.

If you are self-funding and would like to book an appointment today, or if you have pricing questions, you can make a phone enquiry on 0131 316 2507.

Self-funding patients and some insured patients can now book their appointments online.