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ARE CELLULAR PHONES DANGEROUS NEAR PACEMAKERS?

Cellular telephones generate electromagnetic interference that may affect cardiac pacemakers. This study from three U.S. medical centers examined the interaction between five types of cellular phones and the pacemakers implanted in 980 patients. Testing was conducted while technicians monitored the patients' ECGs.

The incidence of interference was higher with digital than with analog telephones (24 vs. 3 percent) and when the telephone was held directly over the pacemaker rather than over the ear (13 vs. 0.2 percent). Interference was more common with dual-chamber than single-chamber devices (25 vs. 7 percent) and varied greatly depending on the brand of pacemaker.

Interference was deemed definitely clinically significant in 2 percent of tests, probably significant in 5 percent, and probably not significant in 13 percent. Patients reported symptoms (most commonly palpitations or dizziness) in 7 percent of tests, but symptoms occurred only when the telephone was placed directly over the pacemaker.

Comment: This study documents that cellular phones pose potential problems for patients with pacemakers. However, clinically important interference is unlikely if the phone is not held over the pacemaker; nor is it likely among patients who are not dependent on the pacemaker or have analog phones.

— AS Brett

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine June 13, 1997

Citation(s):

Hayes DL et al. Interference with cardiac pacemakers by cellular telephones. N Engl J Med 1997 May 22 336 1473-1479.

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