If you or someone you know has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), you may want to avoid using an iPhone 12. According to a recent study published in Heart rate diary, the iPhone 12 and its accessories can interfere with the behavior of a CDI and even prevent it from working.
The study found that several components of the iPhone 12 can “potentially inhibit rescue therapy in a patient, especially while carrying the phone in top pockets.” This warning applies to all iPhone 12 devices, including iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Max, and iPhone 12 Max Plus. The MagSafe accessories of the iPhone 12 are also a risk, specifically the MagSafe charger and the MagSafe Duo charger, due to its NFC magnets and radios.
According to the study, the magnetic charge coils and RF emitting components of these products are strong enough to interfere with the internal mechanisms of a CDI, which respond to magnetic fields. The researchers observed the immediate suspension of CIM cardiac regulation operations if an iPhone “approached the CIM over the left chest area.” The interference “persisted for the duration of the test.”
This carries serious health risks, including the possibility of heart failure or cardiac arrest. To help inform users of potential risks, Apple has updated its iPhone 12 safety and health documentation with new guidelines based on the report’s suggestions. Now Apple recommends users to keep their iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories more than six inches from the chest at all times and more than 12 inches if the phone is charged wirelessly. Definitely don’t put the iPhone in the chest pocket of your shirt or jacket.
While these warnings are specific to the iPhone 12 line and its magnetic accessories, they are not the only products that can affect medical devices. A similar case shows that smart watches and fitness trackers can interfere with CDIs if they reach 2.4 inches from the CDI location on the patient’s chest. IPhone 12 interference is more severe, especially when charging wirelessly, but you need to be careful cap smart devices near someone with a CDI.
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