That pocket on the left side of a shirt may be the perfect size to hold a cell phone, but it may be a good idea to avoid doing this.
Some cell phones may interfere with implanted cardiac devices, according to new research. A recent study published in June 2021 by the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA) found that large phones such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max may cause cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators to malfunction.
JAMA states that “Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnetic interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.”
For years scientists have known that electronic devices such as cell phones, electronic cigarettes, and smartwatches have the potential to interact with cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators if placed close to them. These devices contain magnets that may cause the pacemaker to stop functioning temporarily or a defibrillator not to deliver an electric shock needed to fix an irregular heartbeat.
The JAMA study suggests that the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s wireless charging capability can interrupt the normal functioning of cardiac implantable electronic devices—or CIEDs—until the phone is removed.
CIEDs contain sensors designed to interact with external magnets, making it possible to change their operation as needed by a medical professional. They have a “magnet mode” that allows them to be turned on and off safely for medical procedures such as MRIs.
In the study, three participants with pacemakers placed an iPhone Pro Max in their left chest. In all three cases, the phone disabled or interfered with the functioning of the device.
The phones were also placed on 11 devices in unopened packages. In this case, 8 out of 11 devices were affected. This study also showed that the effect could be short-lived in some devices, whereas in others, the effect continues until the phone is removed.
The study was small, and more research will be needed to get a clearer picture of the link between cell phones and pacemakers. To avoid any potential risk, anyone with an implanted cardiac device can lower any potential risk by:
- Not placing the phone in a shirt or jacket pocket
- Holding the phone on the side of the body opposite the implant while in use
If a phone does come close to the area above the implanted device, the effect should stop once the phone is removed. Anyone with a newer generation iPhone should be aware of this to avoid accidentally putting themselves potentially at risk.
Apple also recommends that users keep other devices such as the Apple Watch and AirPods with their charging cases away from implanted medical devices.
The FDA recommends that “patients keep any consumer electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, at least six inches away from implanted medical devices, in particular cardiac defibrillators.”
Anyone concerned that their phone could interfere with their pacemaker or defibrillator should discuss this with their healthcare provider.