What is a cardiac pacemaker?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 14, 2023

The cardiac pacemaker is a tiny small device which, surgically implanted, is capable of correcting heart rhythm disturbances; intervenes when it perceives that the heart is beating too fast, too slow or there is a discontinuous beat

The pacemaker installation procedure lasts from 40 to 120 minutes with a conscious patient.

But is it possible there is interference between the pacemaker and the mobile phone?

It can happen even if rare, especially if both devices are not technologically advanced.

This interaction does not always have consequences that affect cardiac activity.

But what is the pacemaker?

It was invented in 1957 in the United States.

Emits and delivers electrical impulses to regulate heart rate.

It has a generator and about two leads that electrically stimulate the heart.

Devices nowadays are automatic, they are able to analyze the patient’s condition by reducing artificial stimuli.

Patients with pacemakers or subcutaneous defibrillators come into daily contact with electronic devices that use magnetic fields; the most intense interference can occur with mobile phones when a phone call arrives or when connecting to the internet, the pacemaker or defibrillator can interpret the electromagnetic interference as a heart signal.

Interference decreases as you move away from the device.

Studies up to 1997 see an incidence of interference with mobile phones ranging from 15-30%, the latest studies have seen a reduction of interference up to 1-5%.

The ‘older’ the pacemakers are, the more likely there is interference.

Modern pacemakers have filters that act as a shield against interference.

How long does a pacemaker last?

The duration of a pacemaker is variable, depending on the frequency of use and the electrical stimulation.

The higher the level of risk of the heart with its cardiac activity, the greater the need for the pacemaker to activate and consequently the shorter its duration.

Generally, it can last from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10 years.

In the event of a discharge, only the generator will be replaced without the need for intervention; it is a rapid intervention that lasts about half an hour and does not require complete entrapment for 24 hours as happens for the implantation of the pacemaker.

The replacement of the pacemaker is carried out in regime by incision of the skin in correspondence of the old device.

We proceed with the extraction of the pacemaker and the implantation of the new device which will be placed in the subcutaneous pocket.

Leads are replaced only in the event of a malfunction.

The sensitivity of Pacemakers to electromagnetic fields is closely connected to the architecture of the internal circuits

These can act as a sort of antenna for the signals and electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones which can interfere with the functioning of pacemakers which interpret these ‘signals’ as electrical activity of the heart.

These interferences can represent a risk if the pacemaker patient is totally dependent on it.

Safety distance

To avoid the risk of interference, it is advisable to keep mobile devices approximately 15 cm away from the pacemaker implant site.

For example, do not keep your cell phone in your breast pocket if your pacemaker is implanted in your chest or on your belt if it is implanted in your abdomen; it would also be advisable to use the earphone or speakerphone during calls, you could still use the ear opposite the side where the pacemaker is implanted to converse.

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