As it so happens, appliances and pacemakers are often at odds. From microwave ovens to television sets, there are countless household and commercial items that have been rumored to pose a risk for people who have pacemakers.
In reality, the American Heart Association (AHA) maintains that the majority of modern pacemakers are developed with built-in features to protect them against most types of interference by electrical devices used on a day-to-day basis.
Having a pacemaker implanted means that you will face certain lifestyle changes, including avoiding close or prolonged exposure to a number of electrical devices and devices that have strong magnetic fields, which can interfere with your pacemaker. You should familiarize yourself with the devices that put you at the most risk, and educate your friends and household members about the devices that you should avoid. Among these devices:
Cell Phones
Newer cell phones may pose a risk of interference to those who have a pacemaker. Some experts advise that you should avoid putting your cell phone in the shirt pocket over your device. It is also advised that you hold your phone up to the ear that’s on the opposite side from where your pacemaker was implanted to increase the device’s distance and minimize your chance of interference.
While cell phone technology is rapidly evolving, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has devised a test method to measure the interference on cardiac pacemakers from cell phones. This standard will now enable pacemaker manufacturers to ensure that their devices are safe from cell phone interference.
MP3 Players and MP3 Player Headphones
Much like with cell phones, the NIH advises against placing an MP3 player (that is on) in your shirt pocket closest to your pacemaker, and suggests that if you strap the device to your arm while listening to music, you should strap it to the arm farthest from where your pacemaker was implanted.
Headphones may also pose a risk, because they typically contain a magnetic substance that, according to studies, may be linked to interference with pacemakers. To avoid this, the AHA advises that you should keep headphones at least 1.2 inches away from your pacemaker at all times, and never place them in your breast pocket or drape them over your chest. Do not allow a person who is wearing headphones to rest his or her head on your chest.
Anti-Theft Systems
Anti-theft systems are used at the entrances and exits of a wide variety of businesses, ranging from clothing stores to supermarkets, from libraries to some schools. These systems may cause minor interference with your pacemaker, although, in most patients, the interference is minimal. The FDA notes that, in the past 10 years, they have only received 44 reports of serious interactions between a pacemaker and an anti-theft system.
Experts still advise that you should be aware that these systems may be hidden or camouflaged in the entrances of businesses, and be mindful of lingering in areas where you see or suspect there may be an anti-theft system installed. If you see a device, keep your distance, and don’t lean on it.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors that are used for security in many government buildings, in airports, and in other businesses may cause minor symptoms in most patients. However, you should inform the security personnel who are running the scan - especially if the scanner is a hand-held device, that you have a pacemaker, and ask that they not hold the detector near where your device was implanted any longer than necessary. You should never lean against the system, and you shouldn’t loiter near these systems for any longer than you have to. You can carry your pacemaker ID card with you, and request an alternate screening option at the airport upon providing them for verification.
Certain Medical Equipment
Certain types of medical equipment may cause interference with your pacemaker. You should always let your doctors, nurses, and any technicians who are going to be performing procedures that you have a pacemaker.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screenings are one of the most well-known procedures that will interfere with your pacemaker, because they use a powerful magnet to capture images of your organs and their functions. In most cases, metal objects are not allowed near these machines, and, in the case of a pacemaker, the magnet used in the screening can interrupt your device’s pace and inhibit its output. If you absolutely must have this procedure done, talk to your doctor about what type of device you have. In some cases, it can be reprogrammed. Also be sure to understand the risks and benefits you’ll face from undergoing this type of test before agreeing to the procedure.
Be Prudent.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that, while household devices may pose a risk to your pacemaker, you can minimize your risk by following safety measures and limiting your exposure to devices that may interfere with your pacemaker.
The AHA and NIH advise that there are steps that you can take to protect yourself as someone living with a pacemaker. Among them:
● Be aware of your surroundings and familiarize yourself with what types of devices may cause interference with your pacemaker.
● Download and carry with you a pacemaker ID card that can be used to prove that you have this device, for use in airports or other locations where you may be asked for documentation.
● Stay at least two feet away from electrical generators.
● While you can still use most household devices, avoid prolonged exposure to minimize your risk of interference.
● Before undergoing medical tests or procedures, disclose your pacemaker to your healthcare professionals and ask whether or not the procedures are safe.
● Notify someone in HR at your workplace that you have a pacemaker.
● If you suspect that there is a device interfering with your pacemaker, move away from it or turn it off. Your pacemaker should resume normal activity without suffering permanent damage.