Magnet & Pacemaker

Can a large magnet turn off a pacemaker?

7 Comments

Magnets & Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2011-05-13 07:05:08

I don't think a magnet can not turn off a pacemaker, but it can put it into what is known a magnet mode. In that mode it become a fixed pacing PM.

To try to explain a little, normally our pacemaker is an on demand pacemaker. In that mode it monitors our heart function and steps in to help out when needed. In magnet mode the pacemaker takes over keeping the heart beating at a set rate without consideration of what the heart's natural pacemaker may be trying to do.

When we have a PM checkup a magnet is placed over the PM to put into the magnet mode as in this mode, by the use of their computer, the settings can be changed. If you have been through a checkup you may have noticed when this was done. For me the shift to the magnet mode is uncomfortable and lasts most of the time until the magnet is removed.

Smitty

ask your doctor

by Jamiran - 2011-05-14 01:05:26

I have sinus problems and doc send me to have mri. My surprise when the nurse starting yelling to take me out of. the hall way. Then she explained that the magnet of the mri could take the pm out of my chest. Then I went to work and talked to my safety guy and asking about magnets at work he sent me to work doc and she found out that we have three major restrictions induction furnace, arc welder, and mri. I was at the room when she contacted the pm manufacturer. But guess where I work? In a steel forging company that heat steel with induction and use arc welding machines.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO MRI

by Hot Heart - 2011-05-14 02:05:41

Hi there, someone has put posts on here in the past about arc welders, lool up what they said. Magnets are put over your pm to slow it and speed it up during interrogation, I avoid magnetic fields wherever possible. However I worked in a prison and went through the magnetic metal detector 2-4 times a day and never had any problem, but i always jumped through quickly and never stood chatting by it.

HH

Avoid where possible!!!

by Dave Bishopstone - 2011-05-14 06:05:30

I agree with Hot Heart, avoid strong magnetic fields - we have an induction hob at home which relies on a magnetic field to heat - the manufacturers instructions warn people with pacemakers not to come in close contact with the hob. OK for normal use with pots and pans, but obviously don't get too close.

Like Smitty said

by walkerd - 2011-05-15 07:05:48

Jamiran from my research a MRI wont rip your pacemaker out of your chest, what can happen from exposure to MRI is it can actually heat up the leads and for less than any medical term fry your heart.

dave

Interrupts mobile phone calls.

by Morton - 2012-10-24 08:10:41

Has anyone else had problems with mobile phone interference?I have bought 4 new phones each time blamed the phone for " cutting out" frequently during a call.This happens when I use my husbands phone too.
I tried using the phone only in opposite side to PC an maybe it helps a little.I am now seriously concerned...or is it just me?

Interrupts mobile phone calls.

by Morton - 2012-10-24 08:10:43

Has anyone else had problems with mobile phone interference?I have bought 4 new phones each time blamed the phone for " cutting out" frequently during a call.This happens when I use my husbands phone too.
I tried using the phone only in opposite side to PC an maybe it helps a little.I am now seriously concerned...or is it just me?

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

I've never had a problem with my model.