Let’s dispel some myths!!! Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about our implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. Even more frustrating is that some of that information comes from medical professionals (even doctors).
Please remember that your clinicians and doctors don’t design, build or test these devices, and the device’s abilities change almost daily. What was true yesterday may not be true tomorrow with today’s advances in device technology. The best source of information about devices comes from the medical device companies themselves. Here are a few myths that still occasionally gain traction. Everything listed here is supported by information available on the device company’s websites. If you’re looking for something specific, comment with a question, and I’ll see if I can find that for you. If you think of any other myths you’d like to see covered, comment on them. I’ll cover it in the comments and add it to a future post on additional myths.
Myth #1: You can’t go through metal detectors at airports
Truth: You can use all forms of airport and venue security, including wands, full body scanners and metal detectors.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, it was dangerous to go through metal detectors because of the potential impact on your device. Still, the device companies recognised that problem and re-engineered their devices to be safe with all forms of security. Any device implanted after 2010 is considered safe in all security environments, and every device company states this on its patient website. I don’t even tell the security agents I have a device unless the security system picks up on the fact that I have a hunk of metal in my chest, which doesn’t happen very often.
Myth #2: Magnets are dangerous
Truth: Our devices are designed to safely interact with magnets. In fact, magnets tell our devices to do something specifically.
With most pacemakers, a magnet will cause the device to pace at a constant pacing rate. With defibrillators, a magnet will cause the device to withhold shocks. These are intentional design features that doctors and nurses use during tests and surgeries to ensure our safety. The device will go back to its regular programming when the magnet is removed. With that said, it’s best to keep all magnets (including smartphones) at least 6 inches away from your device.
Myth #3: You can’t get an MRI with an implanted system
Truth: All modern devices are built to be safe in an MRI field. However, some older leads are not considered MR conditional (i.e., “MRI safe”).
That doesn’t mean you can’t get an MRI; you just may need to take some extra precautions. Ensure your MRI clinic is aware of your implanted system before your appointment, so they have sufficient time to research it properly.
Myth #4: You can’t use a microwave oven
Truth: You definitely can. Today’s devices are shielded to make them safe, even around the oldest still-functioning microwaves.
Myth #5: You can’t use appliances and power tools like vacuums, blenders, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and power drills
Truth: Absolutely not true (unless you’re trying to get out of household chores with your spouse. Then, yeah, it’s wildly dangerous to use any of those items 
).
After you heal from your implant, you can get back to using all of the household tools you used before your implant. There is a minimal chance the item you’re using can interfere with your device, but only if it’s really, really close to your device. To prevent interference and to be safe, just use my “don’t hug that” rule. For example, don’t hug your chainsaw while you’re using it, and you’ll be fine.
Myth #6: You can’t weld if you have an implanted device
Truth: You can do some welding with certain precautions.
Check your device manufacturer’s website for specifics.
Myth #7: You can’t use an induction stovetop if you have an implanted device
Truth: Yes, you can, with precautions.
Induction stove tops release a significant amount of electromagnetic energy, which can interfere with your device; however, these waves dissipate quickly over a very short distance. The recommendations from device companies vary slightly, but all suggest maintaining a distance of between 1 and 2 feet between your device and the cooktop. For absolute safety, cook at arm’s length, and if you need to smell or taste the food, don’t spend more than a few seconds leaning over the stove. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time, take a step back, wait a few seconds, and then return to cooking your masterpiece.
After working in the medical device industry for 14 years, including for Medtronic, I became an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patient at the age of 40. This personal experience inspired me to become a patient advocate and educator. I now use my professional knowledge and firsthand experience to help other patients navigate life with an ICD and live without device-related stress and anxiety. I’m active in various peer support groups, create YouTube videos to answer common patient questions on topics like airport security and device functionality, and have collaborated with Medtronic on the “Heart Device Answers” platform. I am also a frequent guest on podcasts, where I share my story and insights.
Hi Doug, Helpful advice with which I fully concur. My background is as a recently retired cardiologist who has implanted and followed up devices since 1993. I received my own device (Pacemaker / ICD) 2 years ago. I play football with my device, have recently rowed 1000km and have had an MRI scan. Most normal activities can be participated in.
That’s fantastic Graham. I am also very active with my device. Some people are worried about repetitive motions damaging leads, but today’s leads are incredibly strong. A gentleman named Elliot Awin rowed across the Atlantic last year in 42 days with a 3-lead pacemaker. Talk about being battery powered!
Very interesting, thank you. What about electric cars? Think I’ve read ok to drive them but best not sit in whilst charging. Or is that wrong?
Great question! EVs are becoming more and more common these days. There have been several studies showing the safety of driving in, riding in, and sitting in an EV while the car is charging. But my favorite study was done in Germany in 2023. They took 150 patients and reprogrammed their devices to be the most sensitive they could be, far more sensitive than any doctor would ever program them. Then they tested those patients over 500 times with 7 different models of EVs. They asked the patients to ride in and drive the EVs, and asked them to charge the EVs using super chargers (the most powerful chargers available). While they were charging the car the participant was asked to drape the power cable over their shoulder, directly over their device. After each test the devices were interrogated to see if the device had picked up any electromagnetic interference, and/or if the device had been interfered with in any way. After 500+ tests not a single device picked up any interference. And remember, these devices were programmed to be overly sensitive, and the test was designed to produce the maximum interference possible. I think this is definitive proof that EVs are entirely safe for us cyborgs.
Thank you for sharing this important information.
I got my first ICD in 2000 at age 34 after my sudden cardiac arrest. I still have two original leads so should I still avoid metal detectors? I do! July 19th was my 25th Rebirthday of my cardiac arrest and 1st ICD. I have an St Jude (Abbott) now. I also saw you on the Heart Warrior Project and it was good! You can watch my YouTube story under Ellen Lamison. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Incredible story, Ellen. You’ve made an amazing recovery!
To answer your question, the problem that occurred with airport security was with how the device would react to the magnetic waves emitted by walk-through metal detectors and wands. Device engineers from all of the device companies got together in the 90’s and agreed to abide by several industry standards, such as building universal lead sizes, and redesigning devices to be entirely safe in all forms of security environments. The leads were never an issue when it comes to airport security, so your old leads wouldn’t be a problem.
One area where old leads can cause concern is if you’re getting an MRI. Just make sure to tell the MRI clinic about your older leads during the scheduling call and they will handle the research to determine if your leads are safe in an MR field.
Hey, Doug. Good to read your inputs again. I just wanted to add a personal viewpoint/experience. I’m on my 4th ICD since my initial OOHSCA in 1994. My last appropriate shock therapy was January 1999 when I still had my 1st unit in place. No further therapy delivered until last September when I was paced for about 30 seconds. My team maintains constant surveillance on my unit via home monitor. Except for airport scanners I have pretty much forgotten about any cautionary safety concerns. I fly yearly, use my microwave daily, drive my electric hybrid car, use my electric coffee maker, electric toothbrush, keep my smartphone only 12″ away from the unit and use my electric shaver regularly. My last routine checkup at cardiology was this spring and everything checks out OK. My unit has another 4 or 5 years of battery life. As I said, I have just forgotten it’s there.
That’s great, Mark. I love hearing about people who get back to what they love doing, and even forget they have a device. There’s really very little we can’t do as cyborgs that we could do before.
Thank you for the information it was really informative there is a question can you wear a Fitbit watch I had a cardiac arrest seven years ago at the gym and was told I couldn’t wear a Fitbit any information would be great. Thank you
Hi Tina, your device won’t be bothered by a wearable like a Fitbit. The only problem you might experience is getting an accurate reading on your Fitbit if you are paced. Wearables sometimes have trouble picking up on paced beats from a pacemaker or ICD, so your watch might show, for example, a heart rate of 40 when really your pacemaker assisted heart rate is 70. Other than that, you can wear wearables safely, just be sure the wrist strap does not have a magnetic clasp.
Thank you, Doug. Admins here pointed me to your YouTube educational videos. Helped me a lot to understand ICDs in the weeks after implant. I’m due a battery change in next 6-12 months. A question: will there be a chargeable battery eventually, which will negate the need for further surgery? 😀
Many thanks
Great question, Freddie. For pacemakers a rechargeable device is already a reality….kind of. A pacemaker is also known as a “pulse generator”, and there are other pulse generators out there treating other ailments. For example, there are pulse generators that treat urinary incontinence, and pulse generators called spinal cord stimulators that treat pain. And there are deep brain stimulators that treat movement disorders like uncontrolled shaking from Parkinson’s disease. All of these devices derived from the pacemaker. Decades ago researchers took a standard pacemaker and used it to deliver electrical pulses to other parts of the body to see if they could treat other ailments. Turns out, they could.
Well, some of those other pulse generators are now rechargeable, and the companies that make those rechargeable devices, like deep brain stims, also make pacemakers and defibs (such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic). But those companies have not yet made the move to make pacemakers and defibs rechargeable. The most common reason I have heard why they have not yet done that is this; if a person with a spinal cord stim or deep brain stim device is unable to recharge their device in time the worst thing that can happen is their pain returns, or their movement disorder symptoms returns, and those issues can be solved by recharging the device. But, pacemakers and defibs treat life-threatening ailments. If a person with a pacemaker or defib is unable to recharge their device in time it could result in their death, and the device companies just haven’t taken on that challenge yet.
With that said, this question is coming up more and more from device patients, and the device companies are considering the feature. My best guess is that eventually we will see rechargeable pacemakers and defibrillators, but that it will be at least 10 years, possibly longer, before they are available to us.