09/29/2025
Heart rhythm problems were the last thing Josh Smith, 58, expected to find when his smartwatch alerted him to an irregular heartbeat in November 2020. But then his naturopath noticed “something odd” during a routine checkup and suggested he see a doctor, just to be safe. ⌚
After extensive testing at another facility, Smith was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib – a type of heart rhythm issue called arrhythmia. The diagnosis took Smith by surprise.
“At first, I had paroxysmal AFib, meaning I would bounce between a normal sinus rhythm and AFib. I didn’t really feel bad. I was still biking 25 miles a day,” says Smith. “I kept thinking, ‘How can I have a heart issue and not know it?’ I didn’t have any of the typical risk factors. I wasn’t overweight. I had no major family history of heart problems. I’m super athletic. But I guess sometimes you’re just an outlier.”
Josh's team at Providence Swedish was able to personalize a treatment plan that fit both his lifestyle and individual health needs. ❤️
➡️ Read Josh's full story here: http://provhealth.org/6189sSOJT
❣️ AFib affects more than 12 million people in the U.S. If left untreated, the condition may cause stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, but our care teams are here to help. Talk to your doctor to learn more.