Electrical Interference

Electrical Interference

Most household appliances do not interfere with pacemakers. For example, electric blankets, heating pads, vacuum cleaners and microwave ovens can be used and will not interfere with the function of your pacemaker.

Cell Phones

While your cell phone may not affect your pacemaker, to be safe, use your cell phone on the side opposite of where the device was implanted. Cell phones should not be placed directly against the chest or on the same side as your device.

MP3 Player Headphones

This type of headphone may contain a magnetic part that can affect pacemaker function. Keep headphones 1 – 2 inches away from your pacemaker. Do not keep your headphones in the breast pocket of a shirt or drape them around your neck.

Security Devices

If you must pass through entrances where anti-theft devices or metal detectors are being used for security, be sure to walk quickly through them. If hand-held metal detector scanning is necessary, tell the security personnel that you have a pacemaker. You should not hold the metal detector near the device for any length of time.

Powerful magnets, magnet fields, and equipment

You will need to avoid strong electric or magnetic fields, such as: some industrial equipment, ham radios, high intensity radio waves (found near large electrical generators, power plants, or radiofrequency transmission towers), and arc resistance welders.

In strong magnetic fields, the device stops monitoring your heart rhythm. Once you are out of these fields, normal device function resumes and there is no damage to the device.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Some devices are compatible with MRI’s. If you have been instructed to have an MRI, contact your implanting physician about the type of device that you have implanted and if this type of testing is safe for you.

Hybrid Cars

Stay about 2 feet away from the engine and do not keep your smart key near your device. Do not put it in a pocket that is over your device. **

Electric Fence for Pets

Stay at least a foot away. **

** We know these are very conservative recommendations and there have been no reports of adverse outcomes due to exposure to either of these environments, however this information has been recommended by current sources and is the best information we have at this time.

If you have any questions about the use of equipment around your device, check your device manufacturer website and ask your doctor or nurse. More information can be found on the American Heart Association website.

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