smart phone vs. pacemaker

Smart phone

by doublehorn48 - 2019-11-30 09:52:04

I wouldn't think it would hurt.  Why not ask your Doctor?  I have a flip phone.  I use a phone to talk.  If your iphone is like my wife's it's not in your pocket too often, it's lying on the table getting charged.

smart phone vs. pacemaker

by coasge - 2019-11-30 10:14:21

Thanks, Doublehorn48.

Maybe

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-30 11:01:41

The radios (3G, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth) won't cause any problems but there may be a problem with speaker if it has a rare-earth (super-) magnet in it.  I believe the iPhones do have rare-earth magnets.  I was warned not to put a high-end cell phones (or hich-end headsets near the PM) in the shirt pocket for this reason.  The shirt pocket is right on top of the PM so violates the 6" rule.

If there is a problem, it'll put your PM into "safe mode" so it'll turn off all sensing and pace at a constant rate (usually 60bpm), whether you need it or not. At your next PM interrogation, your PM tech will probably yell at you about it.  ;-)

it's fine

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-30 11:05:48

Some pacers still come with warnings about getting the phone too close but most do not. Newer pacers are very well shielded and the magnets in the phones are not strong enough to cause a problem. I've been known to go for  a run with my phone tucked in my bra, right over my pacer. 

smart phone vs. pacemaker

by coasge - 2019-11-30 11:06:10

Thank you, AgentX86.

It is ok

by Benjijohn - 2019-11-30 11:52:29

My doctor told me that it was ok. Just check with your doctor

Although my doctor said it was okey, I personally stopped putting it in my top left pocket. I do not know the reason but it makes me feel uncomfortable. This way I feel much more relaxed

smart phone vs. pacemaker

by coasge - 2019-11-30 12:49:27

Thank you, Benjijohn.

put my phon e there all the time

by dwelch - 2019-12-01 00:36:52

many times a day I put my phone in my left shirt pocket.  no issues whatsoever.  No worries. 

Phone speaker magnets cant possibly be strong enough, but there is a simple test for that.  take your pulse (full minute no cheating), if its not fixed at some rate, go walk around get your heart rate up, check your pulse, if it stays locked at some rate, then you are not in magnet mode.  Climb some stairs, hard or at least harder to do with a fixed heart rate.  Sit down and relax, take a nap in a recliner, if the rate stays fixed above your minimum, it is not in magnet mode.  I bet you right now before you start what your results will be.

Phones and pockets etc

by MrTech - 2019-12-01 15:45:51

All pacemaker companies have interference charts. They have lists of everyday devices equipment one may come in contact with and also have lists of medical procedures or investigations one may have.eg dentistry, surgery , mri etc

They then categorise them from low to moderate caution / risks / possible interference with the pacemaker device. 

Some of this can be found online by searching the make of device but will vary in depth from company to company. 

Alternatively, the pacing clinic should be able to answer such questions and/or contact the pacemaker rep to get their advice. 

You should follow the advice at all times to minimise any risks. It is generally not recommended by pacemaker companies to wear a mobile phone over your device. 

Basically the point I’m making is there shouldn’t be any need to guess about this sort of stuff or get ‘should be ok’ answers from docs or the public - the pacing companies already have this info/data/advice. 

Hope this helps. 

MrTech

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-01 20:47:06

I fully agree with you but also note that PM makers are covering their hindquarters.  My EP lectured me on things to avoid and things to not be so bothered about.  I'm dependent and have no detected escape rhythm (AV and His ablation), so he's super conservative.  My wife was in the room during the lecture so the enforcement arm of the family heard it too. 

No lawn tractor but gas and electric hand-held lawn tools are OK, as long as they're held at arms length (backpack blowers are out). No welding of a myriad of types (completely went over my head because I've never welded but it might interest me some day).  The other thing they warned of was high-end headphones and cell phones diretly on the PM, like in the shirt pocket or if someone were laying on my chest listening with headphones (not bloody likely).   These things *do* have rare-earth magnets in them and some are quite powerful. Caution is advised.

Keep Away

by Violet West - 2019-12-02 12:53:39

I think the phone right on top of the PM is inadvisable.  My phone reacts with a loud squeal if I am talking to someone and get it too close to the PM, so there is definitely some interaction.  I try to remember to move it away -- difficult since I hold it with my left hand a lot (am right handed).