Are Smartwatches and Mobile Phones Safe for Patients With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices?

Journal American college of Cardiology- 29th July 2020

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Because of the increasing use of smartwatches and mobile phones combined with concerns that electromagnetic interference can cause problems for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), this study examined the effects of a mobile phone (iPhone 6) and a smartwatch (Apple Watch A1553) on implanted devices in 148 patients.

The smartwatch did not cause any effects on CIEDs or on telemetry. Although the smartphone caused interference with telemetry in 14% of patients, it generally did not cause interference with CIEDs, with only a single case noted.

Based on these data, the contemporary smartwatch and mobile phone tested are unlikely to cause problematic interference with CIEDs, but clinicians should be aware that they may affect telemetry.[[/b]/color]