The first pacemaker device was implanted in Sweden over 65 years ago, and since then, they’ve helped extend the lives of countless individuals with heart conditions. Despite their widespread use and success, numerous myths and misconceptions about them persist.
For this blog post, we’ve teamed up with Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Peter Kabunga, to debunk some of the most common myths about pacemakers.
MYTH #1: You must keep a distance from all magnets if you have a pacemaker.
When pacemakers were first introduced there was a general rule on patients with pacemakers avoiding magnets. The magnet is a key component of the pacemaker so theoretically, if you disrupt the functioning of that magnet you may disrupt the functioning of the pacemaker.
Nowadays, pacemaker manufacturers have ensured that pacemakers are so robust that you would need an industrial level magnet to disrupt its function. Therefore, magnets you come in contact with on a day-to-day basis are safe and will not affect your pacemaker.
MYTH #2: You can’t have an MRI scan if you have a pacemaker.
Pacemakers have components that are sensitive to magnetic fields, and exposure to an MRI scan can interfere with the proper functioning of the pacemaker. Many modern pacemakers are now MRI-compatible and patients with such devices can safely undergo an MRI scan under specific conditions and with careful monitoring. Not all hospitals offer this service, but where they do, imaging teams will ensure that your pacemaker is safely reprogrammed before performing an MRI. This means that it’s safe to have an MRI scan with a pacemaker.
MYTH #3: You can’t use an oven or microwave if you have a pacemaker.
Pacemakers are small electrical devices that control the heart’s electrical activity. This means that there is potential for other devices that produce strong electromagnetic fields to affect their function:
- However, an oven doesn’t typically use magnets or produce an electromagnetic field so it’s safe to use with a pacemaker.
- Thanks to modern technology microwaves no longer affect pacemakers. New pacemakers are designed to shield from electromagnetic interference and modern microwaves are designed to emit much less electromagnetic radiation than they used to. It’s safe to use with a pacemaker.
MYTH #4: You can’t travel abroad or go through airport security with a pacemaker.
Whilst your pacemaker may be picked up by the metal detectors, this will have no impact on the health or use of your device. It’s common for people with pacemakers to present their pacemaker registration card to security so they can use the hand pad down method rather than a full body scan or metal detector wand. If they need to use a scanner, just tell them not to hold it near your pacemaker and you will be safe to go through airport security.
MYTH #5: You can’t give CPR or use a Defibrillator on someone with a pacemaker.
It’s actually safe to receive CPR and defibrillation if you have a pacemaker. In cases where someone needs emergency CPR or a Defibrillator it’s important to act quickly even if they have a pacemaker.
- For Defibrillators – Ensure that the defibrillator pads are not placed above the pacemaker. As the pads are typically placed on the top-right side of the chest and the left-side of the ribcage, these are unlikely to come into contact. This should ensure that there is no damage to the pacemaker.
- With CPR – Pacemakers are placed in the top-left side of the chest. CPR compressions are performed on the centre of the chest so should not damage the pacemaker.
In an emergency event, it’s essential to provide help as soon as possible. Having a pacemaker should not delay giving life support to someone in need.
TRUE: You can’t use an induction hob if you have a pacemaker.
The general advice is that if you’re going to be near an induction hob you should step away by at least two feet because of the interaction between pacemakers and induction hobs. If you were to accidentally come close, there’s no need to panic. Chances are the pacemaker would reset to its user function however following general advice it would be best to contact your pacemaker clinic just in case.
We have pacemaker specialists available at KIMS Hospital to advise specifically on how to look after yourself and your pacemaker.
Article produced by:
KIMS Hospital & Sevenoaks Medical Centre