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Cardiovascular

[Electromagnetic interference between automatic defibrillators and digital and analog cellular telephones].

No Effects Found

Jimenez A, Hernandez Madrid A, Pascual J, Gonzalez Rebollo JM, Fernandez E, Sanchez A, Ortega J, Lozano F, Munoz R, Moro C · 1998

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Cell phones don't interfere with defibrillator function during heart emergencies, making phone use safe for ICD patients with basic precautions.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Spanish researchers tested whether cell phones interfere with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which are life-saving devices that shock the heart back to normal rhythm during dangerous arrhythmias. They found that while phones caused minor interference with monitoring signals, they did not affect the defibrillators' ability to detect or treat heart rhythm problems. The study concluded that cell phone use appears safe for ICD patients, though maintaining 15 cm (6 inches) distance is still recommended as a precaution.

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Electromagnetic interference between automatic defibrillators and digital and analog cellular telephones

We studied the influence of mobile phones, both digital and analogic network, on the performance of ...

Partial loss of telemetry was found in 14 patients, 8 with analogical phones and 6 with digital phon...

a) in our series, we have not demonstrated clinically significant electromagnetic interferences with mobile phones of digital or analogical networks: b) the in vitro model allowed us to conclude that even if a spontaneous arrhythmia appears, the function of the defibrillator is not altered; c) the use of mobile phones seems to be safe for defibrillator patients, and d) however, some basic rules, such as to maintain the phone at least 15 cm away from the defibrillator, are advised.

Cite This Study
Jimenez A, Hernandez Madrid A, Pascual J, Gonzalez Rebollo JM, Fernandez E, Sanchez A, Ortega J, Lozano F, Munoz R, Moro C (1998). [Electromagnetic interference between automatic defibrillators and digital and analog cellular telephones]. Rev Esp Cardiol 51(5):375-382, 1998.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_1998_electromagnetic_interference_between_automatic_3115,
  author = {Jimenez A and Hernandez Madrid A and Pascual J and Gonzalez Rebollo JM and Fernandez E and Sanchez A and Ortega J and Lozano F and Munoz R and Moro C},
  title = {[Electromagnetic interference between automatic defibrillators and digital and analog cellular telephones].},
  year = {1998},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9644961/},
}
PubMed: 9644961

Cited By (8 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Spanish researchers found both analog and digital phones caused similar minor interference with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Eight patients experienced telemetry issues with analog phones, six with digital phones. However, neither phone type affected the defibrillators' ability to detect or treat dangerous heart rhythms.
No, this 1998 study found cell phones do not trigger inappropriate ICD therapies. While phones caused minor monitoring signal interference in some patients, researchers confirmed no real oversensing or undersensing occurred. The defibrillators maintained normal sensing and functioning during simulated heart arrhythmias.
Researchers recommend keeping cell phones at least 15 centimeters (6 inches) away from implantable cardioverter defibrillators as a precautionary measure. This Spanish study found cell phone use appears safe for ICD patients, but maintaining this distance provides an extra safety margin.
No, cell phones cannot reprogram ICDs according to this research. The study tested both analog and digital phones near defibrillators and found no evidence of device reprogramming or pacing inhibition. The defibrillators' core functions remained completely unaffected by phone radiation.
Yes, cell phones can cause partial loss of telemetry signals in ICDs. This study found 14 patients experienced monitoring interference - mostly affecting surface electrocardiogram readings rather than internal heart signals. However, this interference doesn't impact the defibrillator's life-saving shock delivery capabilities.