If you’ve got a pacemaker, or you care for someone who does, you’ve probably heard a lot of rumors about how mobile devices can affect them. The truth is that EMI or electromagnetic interference can pose a risk to those with pacemakers. However, this risk is relatively small and easy to manage if you have the right information.
In this post, we’ll take a look into how mobile devices can affect pacemakers and what you can do to reduce the risk. Let’s start by looking at the science behind the rumors.
What is EMI?
According to Science Direct, “Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a phenomenon that may occur when an electronic device is exposed to an electromagnetic (EM) field. Any device that has electronic circuitry can be susceptible to EMI.”
Pacemakers have electronic circuitry and are therefore susceptible to the effects of electromagnetic interference. As technology advances, mobile devices that produce electromagnetic frequencies are becoming a larger part of everyday life, and this poses increased risks to individuals who use pacemakers.
How Pacemakers Can Be Affected by Mobiles
EMI from mobile devices can be problematic for people with pacemakers because the implant can mistake the electromagnetic frequencies emitted by the device for the beating of your heart. This confusion can cause the pacemaker to fall out of its natural rhythm, which in turn could cause your heart to beat irregularly.
A recent development in this area also showed that some modern smartphones include a high-strength magnet that could accidentally switch pacemakers to magnet mode. Magnet mode is designed for use during surgery, and shouldn’t be used unless switched on by a medical professional.
Various studies on the topic have concluded that there is a small risk of EMI from mobile devices affecting your pacemaker, but it isn’t a significant one.
According to the FDA, “Based on current research, cell phones do not seem to pose a significant health problem for pacemaker wearers.” However, they do advise caution.
All you have to do is know which devices to look out for, and ensure that the people around you are aware of the risks too.
Devices that may Interfere with Pacemakers
Let’s take a look at some common devices that all pacemaker users should be aware of.
Are Smart Phones and Cell Phones Safe?
Some modern cellphones contain high-strength magnets that can interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. Older cell phones may pose less risk due to the frequencies they use, but newer cell phones using modern wireless frequencies should be considered with caution.
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Are Medical Alert Systems and Fall Detection Pendants Safe?
Yes. According to Seniorliving.org, medical alert systems and fall detection pendants are safe to use when you have a pacemaker. When choosing a medical alert system, be sure to do your research and make sure that it is suitable for people with pacemakers. Most reputable systems will be.
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Are Wireless Headphones Safe?
Although iPods and other audio devices are safe to use, the headphones that come with them may not be. All styles of headphones contain magnets that may cause interference. The risk is quite low, so keeping the headphones well away from your pacemaker when in use should be enough to significantly reduce the risk.\
Other Mobile Devices
In May 2021, the FDA issued a new warning about smartwatches and some modern smartphones, cautioning pacemaker users to be extra careful with these new technologies.
In addition to cell phones, smartwatches, and headphones, walkie talkies are also thought to pose a small risk to pacemaker users.
How to Eliminate the Risk
New studies on this subject are always being carried out, but the outcome of most is the same—although mobile devices can potentially pose some risks to pacemaker users, by taking the right precautions, the risk can be almost eliminated.
Here are some ways you can safely use mobile devices with a pacemaker:
Proper Distance
Research bodies like the FDA recommend keeping your mobile devices at a safe distance from your body, even when they’re in use. When using your smartphone, try to keep it at least six inches from your pacemaker at all times.
When answering your phone, try to place it against your right ear instead of your left, as this creates additional distance between the device and your pacemaker.
Proper Storage
When you’re not using your cell phone or other mobile devices, it’s a good idea to keep them as far away from your pacemaker as possible.
Never leave it in your breast pocket. Always opt for the pocket that is furthest away from your pacemaker. Similarly, be wary of storing your devices in a backpack, as although this is on the other side of your body, you may unintentionally be placing the device closer to your pacemaker than you think.
Educate Carers and Family Members
Another great preventative measure is to educate your family and carers about the potential risks of mobile devices. This will help to ensure that everybody in your life is mindful of the dangers and they don’t inadvertently put you at risk.
For example, if you have children or grandchildren playing on a smartphone whilst sitting on your lap, this could place a device too close to your pacemaker without you even noticing.
Equally, if you have carers who help you with personal care, you may want to advise them to take their smartphones out of their pockets whilst they are helping you.
Conclusion
So there you have it, just about everything you need to know about how mobile devices can interfere with pacemakers.
As you can see, it’s fairly easy to manage the risks, and by putting the right preventative measures in place, you can still use all of your favourite devices without having to worry about how they will affect your health.
