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Author Topic: Interference with Pacemakers???  (Read 259 times)

KF0QS

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Interference with Pacemakers???
« on: March 08, 2021, 10:48:03 AM »

Dear Folks:

I am currently being evaluated for some possible therapy because of a heart condition.  There is a possibility that they may decide to implant a pacemaker.

Has anyone had any experience with being a ham radio operator, and having a pacemaker?  Obviously, I'm concerned about the possibility that a strong RF field (I use up to 500 watts on HF, and up to 100 watts on VHF) exposure could cause a problem with a pacemaker.

Does anyone have any experience with the issue?

Thanks and 73 de Bernie, KF0QS
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WX7Q

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2021, 11:13:25 AM »

The "Search" feature has some links on this subject. Just type in "Pacemaker" in the search window and hit return. There are a few links...

http://www.arrl.org/pacemaker

HTH.

Good Luck!!

WX7Q
Jim
« Last Edit: March 08, 2021, 11:25:39 AM by WX7Q »
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KF0QS

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  • Posts: 167
Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2021, 12:31:05 PM »

The "Search" feature has some links on this subject. Just type in "Pacemaker" in the search window and hit return. There are a few links...

http://www.arrl.org/pacemaker

HTH.

Good Luck!!

WX7Q
Jim

Jim:

This was really appreciated.  Although I'll still talk it over with my doctor, the material contained in the ARRL link was really helpful, and helped me not feel as anxious about it.  My ham radio hobby is important to me!

73 de Bernie, KF0QS
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KF5LJW

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2021, 12:38:47 PM »


Has anyone had any experience with being a ham radio operator, and having a pacemaker?
Now that is funny stuff considering the average age of hams is older than dirt in poor health.
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KI6ZUP

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2021, 02:13:31 PM »

Hello,

I got my BICD implanted 6 years ago after I beat the widow maker.  Your Cardiologist wont have a clue or be able to answer your questions. but if you ask the Dr. that will be doing the implant, he can put you in touch with an engineer from the manufacturer that can answer your questions.

All modern devices have a good amount of RF shielding both physical and software.

don't worry.....you wont have to give up the hobby.

73
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KF0QS

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  • Posts: 167
Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2021, 11:32:03 PM »

Hello,

I got my BICD implanted 6 years ago after I beat the widow maker.  Your Cardiologist wont have a clue or be able to answer your questions. but if you ask the Dr. that will be doing the implant, he can put you in touch with an engineer from the manufacturer that can answer your questions.

All modern devices have a good amount of RF shielding both physical and software.

don't worry.....you wont have to give up the hobby.

73

Thanks, Jim.  And, looking you up on QRZ, I see you run an 811 amp, so you are running some power.  I appreciate the benefit of your experience.

73 de Bernie, KF0QS
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KA1CNK

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2021, 12:44:15 PM »

I think some of the more recent pacemaker designs can even tolerate some MRI procedures.  I agree on going directly to the doctors and manufacturers for guidance.
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KF5LJW

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2021, 01:32:40 PM »

I agree on going directly to the doctors and manufacturers for guidance.
Something is wrong here. A ham asking a professional  advice over another hams?  ;D
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K3UIM

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2021, 05:18:02 PM »

"Now that is funny stuff considering the average age of hams is older than dirt in poor health."
Please, Dereck. It's tough enough our being old hams, but we don't need our noses rubbed in it. :'(
Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!

KF5LJW

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2021, 08:25:54 AM »

Please, Dereck. It's tough enough our being old hams, but we don't need our noses rubbed in it. :'(
Charlie
Charles please find a sense of humor. Last person anyone would ask about healthcare advice would be a ham.
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K3UIM

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Re: Interference with Pacemakers???
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2021, 08:57:58 AM »

Odd you should say that, my entire life has been wrapped around a sense of humor.  ;D It's been my defense for being a look-alike of Alfred E. Newman. ;D ;D
All is forgiven. Go to your room!  ::) ;D
Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!
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