Pacemaker and Galaxy 5 smartwatch

[Colin15]

I am told that my Samsung Galaxy 5 smartwatch is not recommended for use if you have a pacemaker recently fitted.  I believe this is related to the use of impedance technology:

1.  Is the Samsung watch impedance system powerful enough to disrupt the pacemaker

2. Do all the measurements offered by the smartwatch rely on the impedance technology used by the watch.

3. I believe the body composition measurement and stress measurement rely on impedance.  How do the others work eg blood pressure, steps, heart rhythms.

4  Can the watch be used safely if some functions are not engaged.

Thanks for any advice

Colin

[papashaun]

Hi Colin15 - can't answer on the impedance but maybe this should be a question to raise with your heart clinic team since there could be big implications for you if it went wrong ! ( my comment meant kindly and wish you all the best )

[PaulC59 · Accepted solution]

My advice would be ask Samsung directly and confirm with your GP

No tech is worth the risk if there are risks of interference with medical devices so it's best to get expert advice and confirmation from the manufacturers as they should know of any known issues. Hope this helps

[keith30]

I have a pacemaker implanted and it's best to talk to your GP or hospital device team, some phones and other various devices can effect them so it's always best to get advice.

[AntS]

Hi @Colin15 ,  Just to add to the great advice given here already, from the Watch5 user manual:

"Your device contains magnets. Keep it away from credit cards, implanted medical devices,
and other devices that may be affected by magnets. In the case of medical devices,
keep your device more than 15 cm apart. Stop using your device if you suspect any
interference with your medical device and consult your physician or your medical device
manufacturer."

[Colin15]

Thank you so much for all the advice.  It is much appreciated.

”in case of medical devices keep 15cm apart”

Does this apply to the watch?
I contacted Samsung who said: “we do not recommend the use of watch 5 if you have a pacemaker inserted”

Medtronic, the manufacturer of the pacemaker, said there was no problem - just do not rest the device on the pacemaker.  I was, however left with the feeling that there was a language problem as the advisor kept talking about smartphones despite me saying the question was about a smartwatch (some different technology at play)

The hospital where I went for a check on my device said they had received no information from Medtronic and they thought there would be no problem.

It is quite possible that advice has not been updated since the research from the US which was widely reported in our press (eg Telegraph).  With the conflicting advice, I will play safe.  I will not use my watch until a few days before my next device check.  That will indicate whether or not interference has taken place.  The hospital assured me that there would be no damage to the pacemaker which would return to normal function when any interfering object is moved away.

Thank you again to all those responding to my question.  I was hoping that someone had worn a smartwatch and found when the pacemaker was checked there had, or had not , been interference.

[Colin15]

Thank you for your response.  Greatly appreciated 

[Colin15]

• Thank you for your advice.