Navigating the Risks of iPhone 12 for Pacemaker Users
Written on
Understanding the Risks
The rise of mobile technology raises concerns for individuals reliant on medical devices like pacemakers and ICDs. Recent studies indicate that the iPhone 12 may disrupt these critical devices.
A doctor once deactivated my pacemaker while I lay on an operating table. Gazing at the high-tech lamp above me, I felt the unsettling sensation of my heart rate plummeting as the doctor adjusted my device using a computer. I experienced a surreal feeling akin to falling, reminiscent of the main character in Get Out, as I sensed my body becoming detached from reality.
"How do you feel?" he inquired.
"Weird," was all I could manage to say.
With a swift motion, he restored the normal pacing of my heart, and I quickly regained my composure. As someone who is dependent on a pacemaker, I cannot survive without its assistance. Fortunately, the operating room posed no risks, as it was a controlled space with medical professionals present, adjusting my device for valid reasons.
Concerns About iPhone 12
Recently, researchers at Henry Ford Hospital revealed that the iPhone 12 could similarly affect a pacemaker as the doctor's adjustments had. Their findings were shared in a letter to the editor published in HeartRhythm in January. The iPhone 12 is distinctive because it contains more magnets than its predecessors.
Globally, over one million individuals rely on pacemakers, which deliver low-energy electrical impulses to regulate heartbeats. While some users may only require pacing intermittently, many, like myself, depend on it continuously. Among the 800,000 Americans with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), these devices not only pace the heart but also monitor its rhythm and administer high-voltage shocks when necessary.
Dr. Hirad Yarmohammadi, a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology at Columbia University, explains that both pacemakers and defibrillators respond to magnets as a safety feature. In certain medical situations, healthcare providers must deactivate a pacemaker or ICD to avoid interference during procedures. This is easily achieved by placing a magnet over the device.
However, the iPhone 12's enhanced magnet system, including MagSafe technology, poses risks. According to the Henry Ford study, when an iPhone 12 is positioned over a patient's ICD, the device's functionality can be compromised, potentially leading to life-threatening situations.
Impact of Magnetic Fields
Dr. Yarmohammadi elaborates that the effects of a magnet on a pacemaker differ from those on an ICD. A magnet placed on a pacemaker can trigger asynchronous mode, wherein the device continues pacing without regard for the heart's natural rhythm. This could result in dangerous heart rhythms for those with sensitive heart tissue. Conversely, while the pacemaker in an ICD remains unaffected, the defibrillator will cease to detect arrhythmias, failing to deliver essential shocks when needed.
Consequently, experts from Henry Ford, pacemaker manufacturers, and even Apple advise keeping the iPhone 12 at least six inches away from cardiac devices and recommend against storing the phone in a chest pocket. This guideline is consistent for all mobile devices. It's essential to maintain distance not only from the magnets inside these devices but also from the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI).
EMI Explained
Electromagnetic fields are ubiquitous, generated whenever electricity flows. Each electrical device creates electromagnetic fields that vary in wavelength, frequency, and intensity. EMI occurs when signals from one device interfere with another, leading to malfunctions. Imagine a drummer who can’t hear his lead singer due to a competing sound; the drummer misinterprets cues and disrupts the performance.
Pacemakers and ICDs are designed to detect the heart's natural electrical signals. However, in the presence of EMI, these devices may misinterpret external signals as internal heartbeats, potentially leading to critical failures. For those reliant on pacemakers, this misreading could be fatal, while defibrillators may mistakenly deliver unnecessary shocks, which can be distressing for patients.
Cell phones are uniquely problematic, as they are often held close to the body throughout the day. Distance generally protects pacemaker users from EMI. Dr. Yarmohammadi reassures that most electromagnetic fields are insufficiently strong to cause interference without close proximity, and implanted devices are engineered to withstand EMI, equipped with filters to safeguard against external disruptions.
Future Considerations
Currently, pacemaker users are relatively safe, protected by device features and a six-inch buffer. However, concerns arise regarding future smartphone models. As the iPhone 12 introduces more powerful magnets, one wonders how future devices will evolve. If Apple transitions to exclusive wireless charging, the required magnetic strength could pose significant risks.
Dr. Yarmohammadi emphasizes the necessity for device design to consider the impact on pacemakers and ICDs. With an increasing number of patients relying on these devices, it's critical that technology developers remain aware of potential hazards. Simultaneously, cardiac devices must continue evolving to minimize susceptibility to EMI.
The positive news is that advancements in pacemaker technology may soon reduce concerns surrounding EMI and magnetic effects. Dr. Yarmohammadi envisions a future where biological tissues replace metal implants, significantly lowering interference risks. This shift could occur within the next two decades, not in the distant future.
For now, it remains vital for those with pacemakers and ICDs to stay informed about potential hazards. Consulting device manufacturers and electrophysiologists will help ensure we maintain safe distances from harmful machines. Navigating this new technological landscape should be manageable, especially in a world where six feet has become the norm.
iPhone 12 and ICD Interaction Explained
This video discusses how the iPhone 12 interacts with ICDs and the risks involved.
Pacemaker, ICD, and CRT Interactions with Smartphones
This video elaborates on the interactions between smartphones, including the iPhone 12, and various cardiac devices.