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For people living with a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, first learning about electromagnetic fields and how they present in our everyday lives can feel limiting and scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Abbott builds devices to empower people to live their best lives, and our cardiac solutions are built to work around most appliances and tools. However, when you live with an implanted cardiac device, it is important to be aware of electromagnetic interference or EMI.
EMI, also called radio-frequency interference, is an electromagnetic field generated by an electrical device. This field can cause an interruption in performance of another electronic device within its proximity. What this means is that certain household objects, heavy equipment, and some medical procedures can interfere with the way your implantable cardiac device works.
If you think EMI is affecting your device, symptoms to look for include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat). If you are near electrical equipment or magnets, simply turn off the equipment or walk away. Your device is made to immediately resume normal operation outside of EMI range, usually 12-24 inches.
Any electronic object gives off electromagnetic energy or EMI, which may temporarily affect the normal operation of your implanted heart device. In most cases these energy fields are too weak to affect your heart device, but electrical items with strong energy fields could alter the therapy delivered by your implant.
EMI can potentially:
Ask your doctor for personalized advice about the best way to avoid EMI and for answers to any questions you may have about how specific equipment can affect your device. With a few precautions added to your daily routine, you can ensure you are living your best life, without worrying if your device is functioning correctly.
Always inform hospital, clinic, and dental staff that you have an implanted cardiac device. The following procedures produce EMI and are not considered safe for people with implanted cardiac devices:
* Unless the device is MR Conditional, then consult with your doctor.
Consult with your doctor before undergoing the following medical procedures:
Medical procedures that you can safely undergo if you have an implanted cardiac device include:
Some industrial equipment can produce EMI that can interfere with implanted cardiac devices, consult your doctor before working with or nearby:
Some household items produce EMI. The following items are not considered safe for people with implanted cardiac devices:
When used as intended, these common items carry no known risk to implanted cardiac devices. Please use caution with items marked with an asterisks.
| Home | Office |
|---|---|
** Do not place directly over device *** Keep 6 inches from the device |
**** Keep 12 inches from device |
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