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[In vitro and in vivo study of electromagnetic compatibility of cellular phones and pacemakers]

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Geller L, Thuroczy G, Merkely B. · 2001

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Pacemaker patients can safely use modern cell phones by maintaining 8+ inches of distance during calls.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Hungarian researchers tested how cell phones interfere with pacemakers by conducting over 1,100 lab tests and 130 tests with real patients. They found that older 450 MHz phones caused interference in 10-63% of cases, while newer GSM and 1800 MHz phones caused no problems. The study confirmed that keeping cell phones at least 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) away from pacemakers prevents any interference during normal use.

Why This Matters

This research provides crucial safety data for the millions of people worldwide who depend on pacemakers. What makes this study particularly valuable is its real-world approach, testing actual patients with implanted devices rather than relying solely on laboratory simulations. The findings reveal a clear pattern: older, lower-frequency phone systems posed significant interference risks, while newer digital systems proved much safer. The 20-centimeter safety distance this study validates remains the gold standard recommendation today. For pacemaker patients, this research offers reassurance that modern cell phones can be used safely with simple precautions, while highlighting why consulting with your cardiologist about device compatibility remains essential.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 450 MHz - 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 450 MHz - 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 HzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 450 MHz, 1800 MHz

Study Details

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of cellular phones and pacemakers (PM) was examined in four different cellular phone system (NMT, GSM, RLL, DCS 1800 MHz) and in fifteen different PM type in-vitro and in-vivo in humans.

After more than 1100 in-vitro and 130 in-vivo tests we concluded, that the electromagnetic immunity ...

Our study supports guidelines which suggest that PM patients should contact their physicians when using cellular phones and cellular phones and PMs should not get closer than 20 cms.

Cite This Study
Geller L, Thuroczy G, Merkely B. (2001). [In vitro and in vivo study of electromagnetic compatibility of cellular phones and pacemakers] Orv Hetil 142(36):1963-1970, 2001.
Show BibTeX
@article{l_2001_in_vitro_and_in_2105,
  author = {Geller L and Thuroczy G and Merkely B.},
  title = {[In vitro and in vivo study of electromagnetic compatibility of cellular phones and pacemakers]},
  year = {2001},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11680101/},
}
PubMed: 11680101

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, older 450 MHz cell phones caused pacemaker interference in 10-63% of cases tested, while newer GSM and 1800 MHz phones caused no interference problems. Hungarian researchers found the older NMT 450 MHz system poses the highest electromagnetic compatibility risks for pacemaker patients.
Pacemaker patients should keep cell phones at least 20 centimeters (8 inches) away from their device. This study of over 1,100 tests found no electromagnetic interference occurred at distances greater than 20 cm during normal phone conversations.
No, 1800 MHz DCS cell phones did not cause any pacemaker malfunctions in this comprehensive study. Hungarian researchers tested over 130 patients and found zero electromagnetic compatibility disturbances with GSM and DCS 1800 MHz cellular phone systems.
Only one clinically significant symptom occurred when an NMT 450 MHz phone was held 3-4 centimeters from a specific pacemaker type at maximum power. This represented the worst-case scenario among over 1,230 total tests conducted by researchers.
Yes, newer GSM cell phones are much safer than older analog 450 MHz phones for pacemaker patients. This 2001 study found zero interference with GSM systems, while older NMT 450 MHz phones caused problems in up to 63% of cases tested.