Next time you visit your grandparents, you might want to put away your headphones. Cardiologists have long warned about the risks that smartphones, headphones and other consumer devices pose to cardiac implantable devices (CIDs). Concerns revolve around the magnetic fields emitted by these devices, which could inadvertently trigger a magnet-safe mode on defibrillators and pacemakers that potentially prevents them from detecting tachycardia or other cardiac irregularities.
Modern CIDs are designed to automatically switch to this mode when near a strong magnetic field to ensure patient safety during magnet-intensive medical procedures such as MRI. And while the CID is designed to return to normal once the magnetic field is removed, even a temporary disruption can have major consequences.
For those whose hearts have not yet become bionic, CIDs typically switch to magnet mode when they encounter a magnetic induction field of 10 gauss or more. For reference, your aunt’s souvenir fridge magnet from her trip to Palm Beach probably emits a magnetic field of 100 gauss. A relatively manageable problem when CIDs were first designed, the massive proliferation of small rare-earth magnets in consumer electronics has begun to pose unique risks to medical implants.
Scientists have begun to quantify the impacts that smart devices have on CID. A 2022 study found that the magnetic fields of Apple’s AirPods are strong enough to trigger magnetic modes in implanted cardiovascular devices. published in Circulation: Arrhythmias and ElectrophysiologyThe study found that magnetic fields from devices like AirPods, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple Pencil and Microsoft Surface Pen disrupt defibrillators, pacemakers and other CIDs. These results mirror those found in similar electronics, including cell phones, smart watches, and electronic cigarettes.
It’s important to note that these reports don’t stop people with heart disease from using AirPods. While patients are always advised to prioritize their cardiologist’s suggestions, Apple’s support page recommends that customers keep AirPods and other electronic devices at least 6 inches away from their heart device. And while that means you probably can’t blast Childish Gambino while listening to your grandma’s heartbeat, it’s also not a death knell for senior citizens rocking AirPods.
The FDA, for its part, offers several suggestions for consumers with CID when they are handling electronic devices. First, always keep electronic devices at least six inches away from the CID. Unfortunately, this means that people with heart disease will have to avoid keeping their smartphones and AirPods in their front shirt pockets. Although “substitute teacher chic” is in vogue, removing such fashion choices from your wardrobe can ensure that you won’t accidentally disrupt your pacemaker’s settings. If concerned, the FDA suggests consulting your home monitoring system to make sure your CID is functioning properly. People who are experiencing dizziness, loss of consciousness, or any other heart-related symptoms should consult their doctor immediately.
<a href