Al Roker’s Smartwatch Helped Him Escape a Life-Threatening Health Scare—How the Hidden Feature Saved His Life!
Al Roker reveals how a simple smartwatch notification helped him detect a serious medical emergency—one that nearly cost him his life. Here’s how the hidden feature alerted him just in time.
Al Roker’s Smartwatch Detected a Silent Danger
More than a year after a major health crisis kept Today show weatherman Al Roker off the air for weeks, he’s now sharing the surprising way he first realized something was wrong—a reading from his smartwatch.
During a Today segment on July 25, 2024, Roker spoke with Peloton producer Jessie Malone, 35, who recounted how her Apple Watch alerted her to atrial fibrillation symptoms. That moment resonated deeply with Roker, who revealed that his own smartwatch played a crucial role in identifying his health emergency.
“We actually have something in common,” he told Malone. “About a year and a half ago, I had a health scare. I was walking up the stairs when my watch showed my heart rate at 160 beats per minute.”
Realizing that something wasn’t right, Roker contacted his doctor immediately—setting in motion a series of events that ultimately saved his life.
A Misdiagnosis and a Hidden Threat
The following day, Roker’s condition worsened—he began vomiting and experiencing severe pain. Initially, his doctor suspected an intestinal infection, but further testing revealed a much more serious issue.
Doctors discovered blood clots in his leg that had traveled to his lungs, a potentially fatal condition. As his health rapidly declined, he was rushed to the hospital, where his medical ordeal escalated into what he later described as “medical whack-a-mole.”
Emergency Surgery and a Long Road to Recovery
In addition to the blood clots, Roker’s medical team found two bleeding ulcers, requiring a seven-hour surgery to remove part of his colon. Surgeons also had to remove his gallbladder and reconstruct his duodenum, a section of the small intestine.
Due to the severity of his condition, Roker had to step away from his duties at Today—missing both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in 2022.
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Roker’s Positive Outlook on His Health Journey
Looking back, Roker acknowledges that his age and the seriousness of his condition made his recovery particularly challenging. However, his optimistic mindset played a key role in pushing him forward.
“What else are you going to do?” he said. “I just focused on getting better. I’m not one to dwell on the past—I prefer to look ahead.”
The Life-Saving Power of Technology
Roker’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how wearable technology can provide life-saving health insights. His smartwatch detected an issue that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, proving that sometimes, a simple notification can make all the difference.
Stay tuned to Today as Roker continues to share his journey and inspire others with his resilience!
