Study finds wearable fitness trackers could interfere with cardiac devices

According to a new study, wearable fitness and wellness trackers could interfere with some implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers.

The study published in the Heart Rhythm journal found that devices such as smartwatches, smart rings and smart scales used to monitor fitness-related activities could interfere with the functioning of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices.

Researchers found that the electrical current used in wearable smart gadgets during “bioimpedance sensing” interfered with proper functioning of some implanted cardiac devices.

Lead researcher, Dr Benjamin Sanchez Terrones of the University of Utah, said “Bioimpedance sensing generated an electrical interference that exceeded Food and Drug Administration-accepted guidelines and interfered with proper CIED functioning.”

He added that the results did not convey any immediate or clear risks to patients who wear the trackers.  However, the different levels of electrical current emitted by the wearable devices could result in pacing interruptions or unnecessary shocks to the heart.  Further research was needed to determine the actual level of risk.

“Our findings call for future clinical studies examining patients with CIEDs and wearables.

“Our research is the first to study devices that employ bioimpedance-sensing technology as well as discover potential interference problems with CIEDs such as CRT devices.  We need to test across a broader cohort of devices and in patients with these devices.  Collaborative investigation between researchers and industry would be helpful for keeping patients safe.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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