In Italian it could be translated as “rhythm generator”: we are talking about pacemaker, that is an electronic device, similar in size to a two-euro coin, which allows you to check the anomalies of the heart rate.
Invented in 1960 by the American engineer Wilson Greatbatch, is placed in the chest of patients whose heart beats too slowly, quickly, or irregularly. The heart rate it originates from the so-called sino atrial node, located at the level of the right atrium of the heart.
Its job is to regulate the frequency of contraction of the myocardium. Under normal conditions, the sinus rhythm is around 60-100 beats per minute and its maintenance is essential to ensure proper spraying of the blood to the various organs of the body. However, when one sees its alteration, there is aarrhythmia heart disease which results in a number of physical symptoms, such as fainting, mental confusion, shortness of breath, fatigue and general malaise.
How does the pacemaker work?
The pacemaker, a battery-operated device, consists of a computerized pulse generator and by one or more leads. The stimuli on which the regulation of the heartbeat depends are emitted by the computerized generator. The leads, small metal cables, on the other hand, lead the electrical signals produced by the generator to the heart. The latter, when an alteration of the heart rhythm occurs, immediately emits an electrical signal to the heart and restores its normal beat.
The pacemaker, which according to the arrhythmia found can have the function of a continuous or request stimulator, also has a sensory system able to modify and regulate the heartbeat when a subject is engaged in aphysical activity. Depending on the number of leads and where they connect to the heart, the device can be single-chamber, dual-chamber, or biventricular.
Pacemaker, is it safe to use fitness trackers?
I magnetic fields formed in the vicinity of certain electrically powered or magnetic devices can alter the normal function of the pacemaker. Starting from this fact, we have often wondered about the possible interference between the implantable cardiac device and fitness tracker. The latter are tools that, worn on the wrist, offer constant support to sports activity. For example, they monitor your heart rate, kilometers traveled and calories burned.
To investigate the controversial relationship between the devices was one studio appeared on Heart Rythm Case Reports who analyzed a clinical case starring a 55-year-old woman suffering from ventricular tachycardia who was advised to avoid strenuous exercise to reduce arrhythmic risk. She then bought a fitness tracker that she often wore during night rest.
One night the patient was awakened by several acoustic signals emitted by his pacemaker, whose subsequent interrogation had shown no alarms or abnormal parameters. Further investigations found that the device had reverted to magnet mode due tointerference magnetic strap of the fitness tracker. The researchers thus concluded that this tool could deactivate the pacemaker, if held at distances no greater than 2-2.4 centimeters.
Pacemakers and smartphones, a controversial relationship
The rule of magnetic fields and their possible ability to alter the functioning of the pacemaker, as well as for fitness trackers, also applies to smartphone. All the more so now that Apple, through a notice posted on its support page, it signaled to users that iPhones contain magnets and radios that can interfere with implantable heart devices. In particular in the versions iPhone 12 there are more magnets than previous models.
To warn of the possible consequences was ainvestigation, always published on Heart Rythm Case Reports, who stressed the danger of a circular series of magnets arranged around a central charging coil to allow the phone to be compatible with the wireless charger “MagSafe“By bringing the iPhone closer to the pacemaker installed on the left chest area of a patient several times, the suspension of the patient’s activities was detected for the duration of the test.
Pacemakers and smartphones, the rules for a good coexistence
In subjects with pacemakers the use of the smartphone is not prohibited. However, it is important to respect some simple ones rules which can safeguard the correct functioning of the device:
- keep your smartphone away at least 15 centimeters from the implantation site of the pacemaker (30 cm in the induction charging phase) and never place it in the jacket or shirt pocket;
- use theheadset during phone calls;
- in the absence of a headset, chat with theopposite ear to the side where the pacemaker is implanted;
- limit yourself to short conversations;
- do not use the smartphone in auto.
–
