Are microwaves, headphones or magnets a problem? 

Living with a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) often brings up questions about everyday household items. While most modern cardiac devices are well shielded against electromagnetic interference, some items do require a small degree of caution. Understanding the difference between safe appliances and those with strong magnetic fields allows you to maintain your daily routine with confidence. 

In this article, you will learn about the clinical safety of microwaves, the specific distance requirements for headphones, and why certain magnets must be kept away from your chest. We will also discuss how modern device engineering has minimized many of the risks that were more common in the past. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The myth and reality of microwave safety for heart patients. 

• Why headphones and earbuds contain magnets and how to wear them safely. 

• The physical effect of magnets on pacemaker and ICD programming. 

• Essential distance guidelines for mobile phones and smart devices. 

• Household items that pose little to no risk to your device. 

• Clinical triggers: What to do if you feel interference from an appliance. 

• Managing electromagnetic interference in a modern, tech heavy home. 

Microwaves: A common myth debunked 

For many years, it was widely believed that people with pacemakers should stay away from microwave ovens. In the modern era, this is no longer a clinical concern. Modern microwaves are built with heavy shielding that prevents the leakage of microwave energy. Furthermore, cardiac devices are now designed with high quality metal casings that block external electrical signals. 

You can safely use a microwave oven to cook and heat food just as you did before your surgery. As long as the oven is in good working order and the door seal is not damaged, it poses no risk to your heart device. You do not need to leave the room while the microwave is running, nor do you need to stand a specific distance away. 

• Modern microwaves are safe and do not interfere with cardiac devices. 

• Ensure your microwave is well maintained and the door seals tightly. 

• No specialized shielding or protective clothing is required for use. 

• You can safely stand in front of the microwave while it is operating. 

Headphones and earbuds: The six inch rule 

Most headphones and earbuds contain small but powerful magnets used to produce sound. While these magnets are small, they can interfere with a pacemaker or ICD if they are held directly over the implant site. A magnet placed too close can temporarily switch a pacemaker into a fixed rate mode or cause an ICD to suspend its life saving shock therapy. 

To stay safe, you should follow the six inch rule. Always keep headphones at least six inches away from your device. This means you should never drape headphones around your neck so they hang on your chest, and you should not store earbuds in a shirt or jacket pocket that sits over your device. When worn properly on or in your ears, they are perfectly safe to use. 

• Keep all headphones and earbuds at least six inches away from your implant. 

• Avoid draping headphones around your neck or resting them on your chest. 

• Do not store earbuds or magnetic accessories in your breast pocket. 

• Bluetooth and wireless headphones are safe when worn correctly on the ears. 

Magnets and magnetic accessories 

Magnets are the most significant source of potential interference in a home environment. A strong magnet can act as a switch for your cardiac device. If you have an ICD, a magnet held over the site can temporarily turn off its ability to detect dangerous heart rhythms. For a pacemaker, a magnet might make it pace at a fixed rate, which could make you feel dizzy or notice a thumping in your chest. 

You should avoid any items that involve strong magnets being placed close to your chest. This includes magnetic name tags, magnetic jewelry, and magnetic clasps on bags or tablet covers. Most common refrigerator magnets are too weak to cause a problem from a distance, but you should still avoid holding them directly over your device. 

• Avoid magnetic therapy products like mattresses, pillows, or jewelry. 

• Keep magnetic tablet covers and bag clasps away from your chest. 

• Be cautious with children toys that contain strong magnets. 

• If you feel dizzy near a magnet, simply move away to restore normal function. 

Mobile phones and smart technology 

Mobile phones and smartwatches are generally safe to use, but they do require a small amount of caution. Because these devices emit radiofrequency energy and often contain small magnets, the six inch rule applies here as well. 

You should avoid carrying your phone in a breast pocket. When talking on the phone, use the ear on the opposite side of your implant to increase the distance between the phone antenna and your device. Smartwatches should be worn on the wrist opposite your device. Most other household tech, such as tablets, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers, is safe to use at a normal working distance. 

• Use your mobile phone on the ear opposite your device site. 

• Do not store your smartphone or smartwatch in a pocket over your device. 

• Wear smartwatches on the wrist opposite your implant. 

• Most home Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices are safe for daily use. 

Safe household appliances 

The vast majority of household appliances are completely safe and require no special precautions. These include items that do not produce strong electromagnetic fields or contain large magnets. You can continue to use these devices as you normally would, provided they are in good working condition. 

Items that are generally considered safe include televisions, remote controls, computers, toasters, blenders, and electric blankets. While some small motors do produce very small fields, they are safe to use as long as the motor itself is not held directly against the pacemaker site for a long period. 

• Televisions, computers, and radios are safe for use. 

• Kitchen appliances like blenders and toasters pose no risk. 

• Electric blankets and heating pads are safe if well maintained. 

• Hairdryers and electric shavers are safe when kept 6 inches away from the site. 

Differentiation: Induction hobs vs standard stoves 

It is important to differentiate between standard electric or gas stoves and induction hobs. While standard stoves are perfectly safe, induction hobs use powerful electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly. These fields are strong enough that they can interfere with a pacemaker or ICD if you lean too close to the cooktop. 

If you have an induction hob, the clinical recommendation in the UK is to maintain a distance of at least 24 inches between the stovetop and your device. This means you should avoid leaning over the hob to stir a pot or check on your cooking. If you are planning a kitchen renovation, you may want to choose a standard electric or gas hob to avoid this restriction. 

Conclusion 

For most patients, microwaves, headphones, and magnets are easy to manage with a few simple habits. By following the six inch rule for small electronics and avoiding strong magnets near your chest, you can safely use almost all modern technology. Your cardiac device is designed to be a part of your life, not a reason to avoid it, and understanding these safety zones ensures you stay protected while staying connected. 

If you ever feel dizzy, faint, or experience a racing heart while using an appliance, stop what you are doing and move away from the item immediately. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in cardiology, general surgery, and intensive care. Dr.                                                         Fernandez has managed patients with cardiac devices through both inpatient and outpatient care within the NHS. This guide is based on current clinical standards from the British Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association to provide accurate and safe information on electromagnetic interference.