Health

Certain magnets can interfere with pacemakers and ICDs

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 18, 2006

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Magnets may interfere with the operation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators, according to a study in the December Heart Rhythm.

Although common home and office magnets with low strength are harmless, those made from a combination of neodymium, iron and boron may cause harm. NdFeB magnets are increasingly being used in home and office products, toys, jewelry and even clothing, according to the researchers. "Physicians should caution patients about the risks associated with these magnets," said lead author Thomas Wolber, a cardiologist at the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland.

The researchers tested magnets 8 mm and 10 mm in diameter and a necklace made of 45 spherical magnets on 70 patients, 41 with pacemakers and 29 with ICDs. Magnetic interference was observed in all patients, they reported.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/12/18/hlbf1218.htm.

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