Wearable fitness trackers with sensing technology could interfere with implantable cardiac devices: study
Fox News
A study published in Heart Rhythm found that some fitness trackers can potentially interfere with cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
The research was published on Feb. 21 in Heart Rhythm. The electromagnetic waves on metal detectors and certain devices, such as cell phones, headphones and radios, can keep a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker from functioning properly. When this natural pacemaker stops working properly, the heart can beat too fast or too slowly — so a small, artificial and battery-operated pacemaker can be placed to allow the heart to beat in a regular rhythm. Researchers noted that the level of electrical current sometimes "confused" the implantable devices.
"We found bioimpedance sensing technology available in certain consumer devices such as smart scales, smartwatches, and smart rings could interfere with the correct functioning of CIEDs," lead author Dr. Benjamin Sanchez Terrones of Utah told Fox News Digital.