Apple Watch -Series 6/SE and Pacemaker

There have been posts in the past on this topic, but I want to revisit for the Sept 2020 Apple products.  I am contemplating an Apple Watch (never had one before).  I have found a lot of differing opinions across the internet on if it is wise to have one if you have a pacemaker.  I called Medtronic, my pacemaker manufacturer and they say it is ok as long as you don't put the charger or watch near your pacemaker and sleeping with it on could cause that to happen.  It should be okay as a daytime watch. Stay away from the magnetic band options. I have a call into my Cardiac Electrophysiologist and am waiting on his response.  Does anyone have experiences or sound medical advice to share? 

3 Comments

No problem

by AgentX86 - 2020-09-29 12:17:19

The problem with Apple watches is the same problem as all their products. Its way overpriced cult symbols.

There is nothing about an iWatch that will affect your pacemaker at all. That includes the charger and magnetic bands. Don't let paranoid lawyers run your life. ...or marketeers.

 

apple watches

by Tracey_E - 2020-09-29 13:10:09

There are virtually no home electronics that will affect the pacer. Most of the negativity you've read is likely from either cya lawyers or general Apple nay-sayers. Smart phones, tablets, smart watches, laptops, video game systems, routers of any brand are all very safe.

I have a 4, not sure how the 6 differs, but nothing about it will affect your pacer. I have fallen asleep with it on plenty of times, arm near my pacer, never had a problem. Unless they've made a lot of changes in the 6, it needs charged daily so wearing it at night isn't an issue. The charger is small, no way could it cause a problem. At home I have a charger in a different room but at hotels it makes a great travel alarm clock while on the charger so I charge it on the nightstand right next to my head. 

I don't think it's overpriced at all, love my watch and it does so much more than expected. Expensive, yes, but mine is 2 years old, been used hard, and is still like new. My husband got it for me because I am bad about taking off for runs without my phone. I wanted it for running so I could see texts, listen to music, make emergency calls if needed, without having my phone in my hand. The heartrate feature is surprisingly accurate. I've never had a heart rate monitor that worked but this one is spot on. I don't like to keep my phone with me around the house so I can see texts, answer calls, talk to Siri, play music. It's a baby smart phone on my wrist. 

One piece of advice, don't get it with the intent of watching your heart rate all day long. That will make you crazy. If you don't feel right, check it. Otherwise, live your life and try not to pay much attention to your heart rate,  trust the pacer to do its job. That is not a reason alone to get a smart watch, imo. 

Great advice

by Jgwin - 2020-09-29 23:26:10

Just remember that a lot of times devices like the Apple Watch cannot accurately track a paced heartbeat. There will be times that it's going to give a false report. Just know that and don't live by looking at it all day long. That being said. It's a great tool to track daily progress and to help you understand overall what's going on. Apple works very hard for products to work for everyone. I spent 13+ years working for them and although I disagree with a lot of what they do and left because morally I couldn't do it any longer, I will say their products are built with helping people in mind. 

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