Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders rely on pacemakers to keep their heart rate steady and functioning properly. But despite their life-changing benefits also come a number of restrictions, because pacemakers can be sensitive to external electrical interference, something that is very much present in everyday life in our increasingly digital world.

One question that we get a lot is whether or not personal alarms and medical alert devices can be worn with pacemakers. We address all your concerns on pacemaker compatibility in this article.

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps the heart beat regularly. It’s implanted under the skin in the chest and connected to the heart with wires. The pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the heart muscles to make them contract and pump blood.

Pacemakers are used to treat heart conditions that cause the heart to beat too slowly, irregularly, or stop altogether. A pacemaker can also be used to treat heart failure.

How does a pacemaker work?

The pacemaker has two main parts: the pulse generator and the lead wire. The pulse generator contains batteries and electronic circuitry. A tiny antenna at the end of the lead wire picks up signals from the pacemaker and transmits them to the heart muscle cells. When the signal reaches the cell, it causes the cell to contract and relax, which stimulates the heart to beat normally.

Who needs a pacemaker?

Medical professionals may suggest you have a temporary pacemaker while your heart recovers from a heart attack, heart surgery or drug overdose.

However, pacemakers are usually implanted permanently in people who have an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too fast, or erratically. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and even cardiac arrest.

What are the different types of pacemakers?

There are three main types of pacemakers

Single-chamber pacemakers

These devices have one wire (lead) connecting the pacemaker to the heart. They’re used to treat arrhythmias that affect the heart’s upper chamber (atrium).

Dual-chamber pacemakers

These devices have two wires (leads) connecting the pacemaker to the heart. One lead goes to the heart’s upper chamber (atrium), and the other goes to the lower chamber (ventricle). Dual-chamber pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias that affect both chambers of the heart.

Biventricular pacemakers

These devices also called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, have three wires (leads) connecting the pacemaker to the heart. The leads go to the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle. Biventricular pacemakers are used to treat a type of arrhythmia caused by advanced heart failure.

What is it like living with a pacemaker?

Most people with pacemakers say they don’t feel any different after the implantation surgery. You may have some soreness and bruising at the implant site for a few weeks.

Although living with a pacemaker may take some getting used to, it is generally a safe and effective treatment option. Most people with pacemakers are able to live relatively normal lives, although there are some activities that should be avoided. For example, people with pacemakers should not use electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by MRI machines, as they can interfere with the pacemaker's operation. In addition, it is important to avoid contact sports and activities that could result in a severe jolt or blow to the chest, as this could damage the pacemaker. Overall, however, pacemakers offer an invaluable treatment option for many people with heart conditions.

Your doctor will need to check your pacemaker regularly to make sure it’s working properly. During these appointments, they may do tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or X-ray. You may also need to have the battery replaced every five to seven years.

What precautions should I take with my pacemaker or ICD?

If you have a pacemaker or ICD, taking certain precautions is important to prevent the device from becoming damaged or dislodged. To avoid electromagnetic interference, stay at least six inches away from large electronic equipment, such as microwaves and TV sets. It's also important to avoid strong magnets, which can interfere with the electrical signals from your device. Additionally, you should avoid contact sports and activities that involve jerking or jolting motions, as this could cause the device to become dislodged. If you do sustained activities, such as running or swimming, be sure to wear a chest strap to support the device. Lastly, consult with your doctor before undergoing any type of medical procedure, as some procedures could damage the device. 

The following precautions should also be considered:

• Be careful when passing through airport x-ray machines and handheld metal detectors. Ask your doctor if you're safe using these detection technologies with your specific pacemakers.

• Avoid Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines or any other strong magnetic field.

• Abstain from diathermy (the use of heat in physical therapy to treat muscles)

• Turn off large motors, such as cars or boats, when working on them (they may temporarily "confuse" your pacemaker's rate)

• Avoid certain high-voltage or radar machinery, such as radio or television transmitters, electric arc welders, high-tension wires, radar installations, or smelting furnaces.

• If you are undergoing a surgical procedure, tell your surgeon or dentist that you have a pacemaker, so that electrocautery will not be used to manage bleeding (the electrocautery device can change the pacemaker settings)

• Always carry an ID card that indicates that you are wearing a pacemaker.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your pacemaker or ICD continues to function properly.

Do Personal Alarm Systems Interfere with Pacemakers?

Yes, it is possible for personal alarms to affect pacemakers. Personal alarms emit an electromagnetic field that can interfere with the electrical signals from your pacemaker. This can cause your heart to beat erratically, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and even cardiac arrest. If you have a pacemaker, it is important to consult with your doctor before wearing a personal alarm.

However, some personal alarms are compatible with pacemakers. These devices use a technology called "pulse modulation" which sends the signal from the alarm in short bursts. This reduces the amount of time that the electromagnetic field is emitted, and minimizes the risk of interference with your pacemaker. If you are considering using a personal alarm system and have a pacemaker, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine if a pulse modulation system is right for you and the pacemaker you have.

How to Pick the Right Personal Alarm for a Person Using a Pacemaker

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a personal alarm system if you have a pacemaker.

Compatibility

First, as mentioned above, it is important to make sure that the alarm you choose is compatible with your pacemaker. Incompatibility can be fatal, so this is not a decision to take lightly. If you are unsure, always consult with your doctor or the manufacturer of your pacemaker before purchasing an alarm system.

Comfort

Second, you will want to choose an alarm that is comfortable to wear. Some alarms can be worn around the neck or clipped to a belt, while others must be carried in a purse or pocket. Consider your lifestyle and needs when making your decision.

Ease of Use

Lastly, you will want to choose an alarm that is easy to use. Some alarms have multiple functions, such as a panic button, GPS tracking, and two-way audio. Consider which features are most important to you and choose an alarm that is simple to operate.

When used correctly, personal alarm systems can be a valuable tool for pacemaker patients. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that you choose the right alarm for your needs.

Guidance on the Compatibility of Tunstall Products

Pacemakers, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) and Heart Failure Devices

Below are Tunstall's guidelines when it comes to the compatibility of our Connected Care Devices with pacemakers. The approach to compatibility here is that one product should not emit more than a defined level of electromagnetic radiation, whilst a compatible second device should not be susceptible to radiation below specified levels.

Pacemakers and other medical devices should be manufactured such that they can withstand Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in accordance with their associated mandatory European regulations. These standards vary by product type, and users need to check details with the respective suppliers.

It is mandatory that social/community alarm and telecare products conform with the European EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) or the RED Directive (2014/53/EU), which require compliance with the following standards:

EMC Emissions (EN 55032)

Defines limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment

Mains Harmonics (EN 61000-3-2)

EMC Limits for harmonic current emissions

EMC Immunity (EN 50130–4)

Immunity requirements for Fire, Intruder and Social Alarm Systems.

Radio EMC

EN 300 220-3-1 ‘Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters for Short-Range Devices’: This standard defines the EMC requirements for the low-power radio systems used in social alarms.

EN 301 489-3 EMC standard for Short Range Devices (SRD) operating on frequencies between 9KHz and 40GHz.

It is confirmed that Tunstall products fully conform to these mandatory standards. If you employ social/community alarm or telecare equipment from another supplier then you should request confirmation and certification of compliance with these standards.

However, It is important to note that the Tunstall Gem4 cannot be worn around the neck if you have a pacemaker.

Users should also request confirmation from medical device suppliers that their product is manufactured to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility standards.

Continue Reading: Guidelines on Compatibility of Tunstall Products

Tunstall's Commitment to Your Safety

Tunstall Healthcare is a world-leading provider of Connected Care and Connected Health solutions. Operating in 18 countries, our Connected Healthcare solutions play a key role in helping older people, and those with long-term health needs, to live safely and have complete peace of mind in their own homes.

With over 65 years of global experience, we offer a truly end-to-end solution, encompassing design and development, consultancy and service support, deployment and training, and triage and monitoring services.

The Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G can be used by people that have a pacemaker. It is equipped with features like Automatic Fall Detection, GPS Tracking, 24/7 Monitoring, and many more. We make sure that we have products that are market-responsive and are able to help as many people as possible from the elderly, people living with disabilities, and people like you who wear a pacemaker.

If you need assistance with your pacemaker's compatibility with our products, make sure to contact Tunstall Healthcare today and we'll be glad to assist you.

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