Strong magnetic fields unlikely to interfere with pacemakers or ICDs

Researchers at Tampere University of Technology (TUT) have completed a project that explored the behaviour of pacemakers and ICDs in the presence of strong magnetic fields. The results demonstrated that exposure to magnetic or electric fields, even fields that are stronger than normal, does not affect the proper operation of the devices.

“This is of course good news for people with pacemakers and ICDs. However, to minimize even the slightest risk of interference, they should avoid walking under high-voltage power lines in areas where the lines hang closest to the ground”, says Professor Leena Korpinen from TUT.

Measurements were conducted in summer 2011 in a 400 kilovolt substation and under 400 kilovolt transmission lines. Instead of a live patient, the researchers used a human-sized dummy.

In an earlier study in summer 2010, one out of the 29 pacemakers that were tested was clearly affected by the strong magnetic field.

“The pacemaker shifted to a state of steady 60 beats per minute, which is its protection feature. Moreover, one of the four ICDs gave an electric impulse due to disturbance.”

The findings will benefit electricity transmission and distribution companies, authorities, and the manufacturers and users of pacemakers. The project was sponsored by Sähköturvallisuuden edistämiskeskus ry and Fingrid Oyj.

Further information:
Tampere University of Technology / Environmental Health research group
Professor Leena Korpinen, tel +358 40 595 2035, leena.korpinen@tut.fi