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Electromagnetic Compatibility Guide for Implantable Cardiac Devices

Patient Services Electromagnetic Compatibility Guide

For Implantable Cardiac Devices

Household and Hobby Items

Most household and hobby items are unlikely to affect your heart device when the items are in good working condition, used as intended, and the recommended distances are maintained. For items that transmit power through an antenna, it is recommended that you follow the noted distances between the antenna and your implanted heart device.

 No Known Risk

If the item is used as intended and in good working condition, there is no known risk:

  • Battery Charger – for household batteries
  • Casino Slot Machine
  • CD/DVD/VHS Player or Recorder
  • Curling Iron
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric Blanket
  • Electric Guitar
  • Electric Toothbrush
  • Electronic Weight Scale
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Hair Straightener
  • Heating Pad
  • Hot Tub
  • Ionized Air Filter
  • Iron
  • Kitchen Appliances – small and large (blender, can opener, refrigerator, stove, toaster)
  • Low Voltage Residential Power Lines
  • Massage Chair/Pad
  • Medical Alert Necklace
  • Microwave Oven
  • Remote Control (CD, DVD Player, TV, VHS)
  • Salon Hair Dryer
  • Sauna
  • Shaver/Trimmer – battery powered
  • Tanning Bed
  • TV

 Minimal Risk

Maintain at least a 6-inch(15 cm) distance between the item and your heart device:

  • Electric Grocery Cart/Golf Cart – from motor
  • Electric Kitchen Appliances – hand-held (electric mixer or knife)
  • Electric Shaver – corded
  • Electric Toothbrush Charging Base
  • Exercise Bike – from magnet in wheel
  • Hair Dryer – hand-held
  • Hand-held Back Massager
  • Magnetic Therapy Products
  • Radio-Controlled Items – from antenna
  • Sewing Machine/Serger – from motor
  • Small Magnet (household magnet)
  • Speakers
  • Tattoo Machine
  • Treadmill – from motor
  • Ultrasonic Pest Controller
  • Vacuum Cleaner – from motor

 Special Considerations

Maintain at least the recommended distance between the item and your heart device:

12-Inch Distance (30 cm)

  • Car/Motorcycle – from components of ignition system
  • Electric Fence
  • Electric Pet Containment Fence – from buried wire and indoor antenna
  • Transformer Box (green box in yard)

2-Foot Distance (.6 m)

  • Beach Comber Metal Detector – from search head
  • Induction Cooktop Stove

Not Recommended

  • Ab Stimulator
  • Electronic Body Fat Scale
  • Magnetic Mattress Pad/Pillow