What Would Interfere With a Pacemaker?

With advancements in technology, modern pacemakers are better equipped to handle many types of interference from other devices. To protect yourself, always be aware of the devices around you and notify others that you have a pacemaker.

Security Devices

• In high-security areas such as airports or courthouses, Heartonline.org states that someone with a pacemaker should ask to be hand searched. Walking through the metal detectors as well as the hand-held detectors can cause a pacemaker to malfunction. The FDA also recommends that you do not lean against or linger around store security gates.

Cell Phones

• While it is believed that cell phones do not pose a big threat to pacemakers the FDA advocates the following precautions: Keep a distance between your phone and the device by holding your phone to the ear opposite the side of the body where the pacemaker is located Do not place a phone that is turned on next to the pacemaker--the suggested distance is at least 6 inches.

Headphones

• Americanheart.org says to keep headphones at least 1.2 inches away from a pacemaker. The magnetic substance in the headphones can cause interference.

Medical Procedures

• Many medical tests and procedures can interfere and cause a pacemaker to malfunction, such as Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA), Therapeutic radiation, shortwave or microwave diathermy. These procedures either use powerful magnets, involve shocks or radio waves. The damage that can occur varies and it is important before undergoing any procedure to discuss the risks with a doctor.

Interference

• Should your device change its pace due to an anti-theft system in a store or in someone's home, move away quickly. The pacemaker should then revert back to its normal setting the farther away from the system you get. If feeling faint or dizzy after suspected interference you should have your pacemaker examined.