Pacemakers and Marine Environment

I received a pacemaker in late December due to a slow heartbeat. So far so good. I have been unable to locate any information on pacemakers and equipment used on boats. I am very active during the summer boating season on boats which have marine radios (both hand held and fixed), GPS, and radar. I was wondering if there will be any problems with being in close proximity to this equipment while operating small boats. I would appreciate information that anyone may have. Timberhitch

3 Comments

SO MUCH TO THINK OF ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-01-08 05:01:11

OMGosh ~ I have not even thought that far ahead! How much more do I need to know & do not? The PM is like having another allergy ~ what else can we be allergic to & do not know it?

I have a 25 foot Pontoon boat w/all the "bells & whistles", including GPS for humans & depth/fish. We use it mainly on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. Never even thought that this pleasure could be hazardous. Anything else anyone can warn about?

Bless All of You ~ ~
Carolyn G. in TEXAS CONGRATS TO ALABAMA

It doesnt bother me

by walkerd - 2010-01-08 06:01:08

I also boat and fish quit a bit during the summer, well more than a little, lol, It hasnt bothered me. I would say that you will be alright. Like I said it doesnt bother me the only thing that gives me an episode is when I dont catch fish.

dave

Interference

by ElectricFrank - 2010-01-08 12:01:11

Shouldn't be a problem. If there is any problem at all it would be in the vicinity of the antenna. Most hand helds
aren't problem because they are fairly low powered to conserve battery life.

It's easy enough to check you pulse with each piece of equipment off and then on. If it is causing any problem the change should be noticeable. Run the test with someone around in case you get light headed, they can keep you from falling overboard.

Modern pacers are very well shielded and filtered against common source of interference.

frank

You know you're wired when...

Born to be Wired is your theme song.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.