The next time you visit your grandparents, you might want to put your headphones away. Cardiologists have long warned of the dangers of smartphones, headphones and other consumer cardiac devices (CIDs). Concerns surround the magnetic fields emitted by these devices, which may automatically trigger a magnetically safe mode in defibrillators and pacemakers that may prevent them from detecting tachycardia or other cardiovascular disorders.
Modern CIDs are designed to switch to this mode automatically when near strong magnetic fields to ensure patient safety during magnetic medical procedures such as MRIs. And although CIDs are designed to return to normal after the magnetic field is removed, even a temporary disturbance can have major consequences.
For those whose hearts are not yet bionic, CIDs typically switch to magnetic 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 puts out a 100 Gauss magnetic field. A relatively manageable problem when CIDs were first designed, the proliferation of small rare earth magnets around the world in consumer electronics has begun to pose unique risks to medical implants.
Scientists have begun measuring the effects smart devices can have on CIDs. Another 2022 study found that the magnetic fields of Apple’s AirPods are strong enough to trigger magnetic pathways in implanted heart devices. Published on Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiologyresearch found that the magnetic fields of devices such as AirPods, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple Pencil and Microsoft Surface Pen interfere with defibrillators, pacemakers and other CIDs. These effects are similar to those found in similar electronics, including cell phones, smart watches and electronic cigarettes.
It is important to note that these reports do not prevent those with heart conditions from using AirPods. While patients are always advised to prioritize their cardiologist’s recommendations, Apple’s support page recommends that customers keep AirPods and other electronic devices at least 6 inches away from their heart machines. And while this means you won’t be blasting Childish Gambino while listening to your grandma’s heartbeat, it’s also not a killer for adults rocking AirPods, either.
The FDA, on the other hand, offers several suggestions to consumers with CIDs when carrying electronic devices. First, keep electronics at least six inches from the CID. This unfortunately means that those with heart conditions will have to avoid carrying their smartphones and AirPods in their front shirt pockets. Although “teacher chic” is popular, choosing such fashion in your wardrobe can ensure that you do not accidentally disturb the settings of your pacemaker. If you are concerned, the FDA suggests that you contact your home monitoring system to ensure that your CID is working properly. Those with dizziness, fainting, or any other heart-related symptoms should see their doctor immediately.
