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MP3 Player Headphones May Interfere with Pacemakers

Patients may ask about a widely reported study suggesting that the magnets in MP3 player headphones can interfere with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.

According to the study, presented Sunday at the American Heart Association meeting, the problem occurs only if earbuds or other headsets are placed within about an inch of the implanted devices. In one-quarter of the 60 patients studied, this caused inappropriate pacing or inhibited the defibrillators.

Asked to comment, study author William H. Maisel says patients should not worry about using headphones in or on their ears, as intended. However, he adds, "they should avoid draping the headphones over their chest or placing them in a front pocket of their shirt or sport coat, and they should be wary of a loved one resting his or her head on their chest while wearing headphones."

LINK(S):

Meeting abstract, published online in Circulation (Free)

Associated Press story (Free)

Published in Physician's First Watch November 10, 2008

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