A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered medical device that helps the heart maintain a regular rhythm by producing electrical impulses. It is typically implanted under the skin, often near the collarbone, with thin wires (leads) extending to the heart chambers. While pacemakers are highly reliable, certain external factors can temporarily affect their operation.
Everyday Items and Devices
Many common household and personal items can generate electromagnetic fields or contain magnets that might temporarily interfere with a pacemaker. Mobile phones, for instance, emit radiofrequency energy and contain magnets that could affect device function. It is generally advised to keep mobile phones at least 6 inches (about 15 cm) away from the pacemaker site, avoiding carrying them in a shirt or jacket pocket directly over the device.
Strong magnets in items like headphones, magnetic therapy products, and some smartwatches can also pose a risk; keep headphones at least 6 inches from the pacemaker. Induction cooktops create strong electromagnetic fields; maintain a distance of at least 2 feet (about 60 cm) from the cooktop to prevent potential interference.
Anti-theft systems, often found at store exits, also generate electromagnetic fields. While interactions are generally unlikely to cause serious symptoms, it is advisable to walk through these systems quickly and avoid lingering or leaning on them. Modern pacemakers are designed with shielding to minimize the effects of such interference, and any disruption is typically temporary, resolving once the source is removed.
Medical Procedures and Equipment
Certain medical procedures and specialized equipment can significantly interact with pacemakers due to strong electromagnetic fields or energy delivery. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, for example, use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves, which can interfere with or even damage a pacemaker. Many newer pacemakers are now “MRI-compatible,” meaning they are specifically designed to be safe under controlled MRI conditions, but it is always necessary to inform medical staff about the device before any scan.
Surgical tools like electrocautery devices, which use high-frequency electrical currents to cut or seal tissue, can also interfere with pacemaker function during an operation. Healthcare providers must be aware of a patient’s pacemaker to take appropriate precautions, such as adjusting device settings or using different surgical techniques. Radiation therapy, used in cancer treatment, can affect pacemakers by causing chemical changes in the device’s components or electrical disturbances, even if the pacemaker is not directly in the radiation field. Close monitoring of the pacemaker’s function is typically performed before, during, and after radiation treatment.
External defibrillation, used to deliver an electrical shock to restart the heart, can temporarily affect a pacemaker’s settings or battery voltage. However, defibrillation is a life-saving procedure, and it can be safely performed on individuals with pacemakers by ensuring the defibrillator pads are placed at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the device site.
Environmental and Occupational Sources
Less common but potentially impactful sources of pacemaker interference include strong electromagnetic fields encountered in certain environments or occupations. Industrial equipment, such as arc welders, large motors, and power generators, can produce powerful electromagnetic fields. Individuals with pacemakers who work near these machines should maintain a safe distance to avoid potential disruption.
High-voltage power lines also generate electromagnetic fields. While walking or passing briefly under power lines is generally considered safe, prolonged close proximity, such as working directly beneath them for extended periods, could pose a risk. Security screening devices, including walk-through metal detectors at airports or handheld wands, operate using magnetic fields. These are generally safe for pacemaker wearers, but it is still recommended to walk through them at a normal pace and inform security personnel about the device if a handheld wand is used.
These environmental and occupational sources typically only cause an issue with prolonged or very close exposure. The risk of interference from these sources is often low with normal daily activities.
Recognizing and Managing Interference
If a pacemaker experiences interference, a person might notice symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or unusual heartbeats. These sensations indicate that the pacemaker’s normal function is being temporarily disrupted.
The immediate action to take if interference is suspected is to move away from the source causing the disruption. In most cases, once the interfering source is removed or distance is created, the pacemaker will return to its normal operation without lasting effects. It is important for individuals with pacemakers to carry their pacemaker identification card at all times. This card contains important details about the device and can be crucial information for medical and security personnel, especially in an emergency.
Any concerns about potential interference or experienced symptoms should be discussed with a cardiologist or healthcare provider. Most instances of pacemaker interference are temporary and do not cause permanent damage to the device or pose a lasting health risk to the individual.