Several popular wearables and smart-home gadgets may not be safe for individuals with pacemakers and other cardiac implants, according to research conducted by the University of Utah.
The research paper was published in Heart Rhythm. It makes reference to devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Fitbit Aria 2 smart scale.
Bioimpedance Analysis vs. Medical Devices
One of the most interesting features of the modern tech devices is the bioimpedance analysis you can do on your body to determine your body fat percentage. This method makes use of a minute electrical signal sent between two electrodes on the gadget and your body.
According to the research, as first featured in Evening Standard, bioimpedance devices may disrupt the functioning of pacemakers and other cardiac-implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
Reportedly, these devices prevent the CIEDs from operating as intended. The paper's co-author Sanchez Terrones argues that these results call for further clinical investigations, testing the translation of their findings to patients wearing CIEDs and utilizing these wearable devices.
This occurs because a false reading of the heart's electrical activity may be derived from the relatively faint signal produced by the bioimpedance technology.
Medical expert Benjamin Steinberg claims there is a risk that the pacemaker may malfunction if it becomes confused by interference. He warns that a patient might lose consciousness or worse if the interference lasts too long.
The press statement sent by the University of Utah also raises concerns that "a wearable device with bioimpedance could trick [an implantable cardioverter] defibrillator into delivering the patient an unneeded electric shock, which can be painful."
Sadly, Terrones asserts that nobody has investigated whether or not this is a legitimate worry.
Proper Warnings From Device Manufacturers
Producers of such devices, however, have long since warned consumers with pacemakers that they should not use their products.
According to Withings' support page, the Body+ smart scale should not be used if you have a pacemaker or similar implanted medical equipment.
It reads, "The body-composition measurements, including fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and hydration, should not be used by people wearing a pacemaker. Users with any other internal medical device should not use these functions of the Body+ Scale without consulting a medical professional."
The bioimpedance body-composition function on Samsung's Galaxy watches, such as the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5, also requires the user to go through many warning displays before actually scanning.
Research indicates that bioimpedance features on smart scales and smart rings are safer to use than those on smartwatches.
The research concludes that these devices may create an electric voltage above ISO 14117 maximum limits for CIEDs and interact with cardiac implants.
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