Peter Moore, a seasoned technology executive, has long been acquainted with the transformative power of tech. With a career spanning notable roles at Microsoft, SEGA, and EA Sports, Moore’s life has been intertwined with cutting-edge innovation. Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the day his Apple Watch became more than just a gadget—it became a lifesaver.
Recently relocated from Liverpool to Montecito, Moore is known locally as the founder of Santa Barbara Sky FC, a professional soccer team set to debut at UCSB’s Harder Stadium in March 2025. Despite his deep involvement in sports and fitness technology, Moore was given a sobering reminder of just how crucial wearable tech can be for personal health.
A Normal Day Takes a Sudden Turn
Friday, July 12, began like any other day for Moore. Feeling slightly lightheaded, he shrugged it off as nothing serious. In hindsight, Moore laughs at his casual response to the early signs of trouble. On his way to pick up his daughter from Santa Barbara Airport, he grabbed a Starbucks latte, thinking it would cure his mild dizziness.
“I felt just a little faint. Nothing too serious. And, being a typical man, I thought a Starbucks nonfat blondie would sort that out,” Moore recounted.
However, as he sat in the airport parking lot, his Apple Watch began sending urgent alerts—his heart rate was dangerously low. “It said ‘low heart rate.’ And it kept coming at me, ‘low heart rate.’ At the lowest point, my heart rate had dropped to 32,” Moore explained.
Alarmed by this significant deviation from his usual readings, Moore sent screenshots of the alerts to his wife, Debbie, who promptly rushed him to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
A Close Call at the Emergency Room
Upon arrival at the hospital, Moore was thrust into the chaotic environment of the emergency room. Medical staff acted swiftly, surrounding him with IVs, EKG sensors, and a defibrillator at the ready. His heart rate had plummeted to a mere 24 beats per minute.
“I was completely surrounded by a team that felt I was in serious trouble,” Moore recalled. “I was hooked up to a heart rate monitor, and my BPM had gone down to 24.”
Doctors quickly diagnosed Moore with a complete heart block, a condition where the heart’s electrical signals are disrupted, preventing the chambers from communicating effectively. While often symptomless, heart block can be fatal if untreated. The doctors informed Moore that he needed a pacemaker immediately.
“There was no lead into this. This was straight away. I smile now, but I’d gone from having Starbucks maybe 30 minutes earlier, and now I needed a pacemaker,” he reflected.
Gratitude for Technology’s Lifesaving Role
Moore’s life was saved that day, thanks to the timely intervention made possible by his Apple Watch. Following his swift recovery after the pacemaker was installed, Moore emphasized the importance of paying attention to the data provided by wearable health devices.
He expressed his gratitude for the Apple Watch, which alerted him to a serious issue that he might have otherwise ignored. Moore believes that we often dismiss subtle health warnings, but his experience demonstrates how critical it is to listen to the data our devices provide.
“We don’t react to things like we should. If it’s not on your watch, on your phone, it doesn’t exist. It only really kicked in when the Apple Watch was pinging me, basically saying ‘get yourself to the hospital right now,’” Moore said.
He also urged others to be vigilant and responsive to the information their health trackers offer. “We have so much data that is easily accessible, that can inform us of what’s going on in our body. And so the message, I think, is listen to the data.”
A Testament to the Power of Wearable Technology
Moore’s story is a powerful reminder of how far digital health monitoring has come and the critical role these innovations play in protecting our well-being. His experience underscores the fact that sometimes, the smallest devices can make the most significant impact, turning what seems like just another tech gadget into a true lifesaver.
