Do you have a pacemaker or other cardiac implantable electronic device?

If so, a new study suggests you should be careful where you carry your cell phone. According to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the MagSafe magnetic charging system in i netic charging system in iPhone 12 has the potential to disrupt pacemakers and other devices. This research supports similar findings published by Heart Rhythm Journal.

What is the problem? The magnetic charging system in iPhone 12 models uses powerful magnetic fields. Pacemakers and defibrillators can be disrupted by magnetic fields. Cardiac patients are told this.

Researchers found disruption can be caused by magnetic fields which are only 1/5th of the strength of a direct MagSafe connection. This potential disruption of lifesaving cardiac technology could be dangerous to you and your life.

What should you do? If you have an iPhone 12 and an implanted cardiac device? Don’t panic.

The Heart Rhythm Journal team suggests keeping your iPhone and MagSafe accessories at least 6 inches from your device if not in use. They say keep them more than 12 inches away when your iPhone is charging. That means no more carrying your iPhone in your shirt pocket. It’s also advisable to use any cell phone on the ear opposite your pacemaker.

Apple released a statement in March after the initial Heart Rhythm Journal research was released.

The phone manufacturer agrees about the safety suggestions.

Apple says you should keep iPhone and MagSafe accessories at least 6-12 inches away from your devices.

Apple, and both medical research teams, also suggest discussing any concerns you have about your phone, pacemaker, or other device with your physician.

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