Are Contemporary Smartwatches and Mobile Phones Safe for Patients With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices?

Authors: Philipp Lacour, Abdul Shokor Parwani, Franziska Schuessler, Felix Hohendanner, Frank R Heinzel, et al.

Year: 2020 Sep

Category: Electrophysiology

Journal: CC Clin Electrophysiol

Institution: CC Clin Electrophysiol

DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.04.033

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32972552/

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the incidence and consequences of electromagnetic interferences caused by modern smartwatches and mobile phones on patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

Background

  • Increasing usage of mobile devices like smartwatches poses potential risks for patients equipped with CIEDs due to electromagnetic interference.

Methods

A total of 148 patients using various CIEDs underwent 1,352 individual tests to determine the effects of electromagnetic fields produced by an iPhone 6 and an Apple Watch (model A1553) when placed near the devices.

Findings

  • Significant findings include a single case of mobile phone-induced interference on a dual-chamber pacemaker.
  • Additionally, iPhone-induced telemetry interferences affected 14% of the patients tested.
  • No documented interferences were associated with the Apple Watch.

Conclusion

While the overall risk of electromagnetic interference from these devices is low, specific scenarios, such as placing an iPhone 6 close to CIEDs, can lead to telemetry disturbances. Caution is advised in the proximity of these devices to CIEDs.

electromagnetic interference smartwatches mobile phones cardiovascular implantable electronic devices telemetry
← Back to Stats