MagSafe on the iPhone 12 line can stop your implanted cardiac device from working as it should
Tests reveal that the MagSafe magnets on the iPhone 12 series could negatively impact your pacemaker
The Heart Rhythm Journal published a study earlier this year about a pacemaker built by Medtronic that shutdown when an iPhone 12 series phone was held near the surgically implanted medical device. To prevent such a dangerous shutdown from taking place, the publication said to “keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device more than 6 inches /15 cm apart or more than 12 inches/30 cm apart if wirelessly charging. The new report from the AHA says that these undesired effects are only possible when an iPhone 12 series handset is turned on or very close to the implanted device.
You might want to speak to your Doctor about using MagSafe with your pacemaker
The American Heart Association’s conclusion says “that although the Food and Drug Administration website states that cellphones do not pose a significant health risk for patients with these devices, they do acknowledge that certain precautions may be advisable. Based on the variability of interactions with respect to different smartphone models, patients are advised to consult with a heart rhythm specialist regarding recommendations specific to their smartphone and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED).
The testing done by the AHA and published in the Journal reveals that of two implantable cardioverter defibrillators studied inside patients’ bodies, both the Medtronic Amplia MRI Quad CRTD and the Abbott Medical 1231‐40 Fortify VR suffered interference from the iPhone 12 Pro Max that prevented them from working perfectly. One pacemaker tested, the Boston Scientific V273 Intua CRT‐P, also had issues when in close contact with the same handset.
Of the devices tested inside the packaging, three out of five implantable cardioverter defibrillators were impacted by the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Among six pacemakers tested while still in the box, five out of six units were negatively affected by the phone.
