What To Know
- However, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor or the manufacturer of your pacemaker to make sure that there are no known issues with the device.
- In summary, it is generally safe to wear a Fitbit with a pacemaker, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure that it does not interfere with your medical device.
- I have had three open-heart surgeries in my lifetime, the first at age eight and the most recent in November of 2017, when I had a pacemaker implanted.
If you have a pacemaker, you might be wondering if it’s safe to use a Fitbit. After all, the Fitbit is a device that’s designed to track your heart rate and other vital signs. So, it stands to reason that it could potentially interfere with your pacemaker. But is that really the case? Let’s take a closer look at the issue to find out. Does Fitbit Affect Pacemaker: The Truth Exposed!
Does Fitbit Affect Pacemaker?
If you have a pacemaker, you may wonder if it’s safe to wear a Fitbit. The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to wear a Fitbit with a pacemaker. However, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure that your Fitbit does not interfere with your pacemaker.
First, it’s important to note that Fitbit devices are designed to be safe to use with pacemakers. They use low-power Bluetooth technology that is unlikely to interfere with your pacemaker. However, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor or the manufacturer of your pacemaker to make sure that there are no known issues with the device.
Second, it’s important to keep a few safety guidelines in mind when wearing a Fitbit with a pacemaker. Make sure that the Fitbit is not directly touching your pacemaker or any other medical device. You should also avoid wearing the Fitbit too close to your heart, as it may cause a false reading.
Finally, if you have any concerns about the safety of wearing a Fitbit with a pacemaker, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. They may be able to provide additional information or advice on the matter.
In summary, it is generally safe to wear a Fitbit with a pacemaker, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure that it does not interfere with your medical device. Check with your doctor or the manufacturer of your pacemaker to make sure that there are no known issues with the device, and follow the safety guidelines provided by the Fitbit manufacturer. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor for additional information.
What Symptoms Led To Your Pacemaker Being Implanted?
I was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries. In short, my heart is backward. I have had three open-heart surgeries in my lifetime, the first at age eight and the most recent in November of 2017, when I had a pacemaker implanted. I also have a history of heart arrhythmias.
A few years ago, I had a procedure called an ablation to correct one type of arrhythmia called atrial flutter. During that procedure, I experienced a different type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. It’s the one that can kill you. I was shocked (pun intended) to learn that there are more than 300,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States, and that 90 percent of them are due to ventricular fibrillation.
I was also surprised to learn that many of the people who experience sudden cardiac arrest are young and in otherwise good health. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating regularly, and the body is deprived of oxygen. If the heart is not beating, the brain is not receiving oxygen. If the brain is not receiving oxygen, the person is clinically dead.
How Long Have You Had Your Pacemaker?
I have had my pacemaker for two years and it has been a life changing experience. I was diagnosed with a heart condition called bradycardia, which means my heart beats very slowly. My heart was only beating 30-40 beats per minute, which is not enough to pump blood throughout my body. I was getting very tired and short of breath, and I had to take naps throughout the day. My doctor recommended a pacemaker to regulate my heart beat and improve my quality of life.
The pacemaker is a small device that is inserted into my chest. It is programmed to send electrical impulses to my heart, which helps it beat at a normal rate. The procedure to implant the pacemaker was quick and easy. I was awake during the procedure and I felt nothing more than a slight pinching sensation.
Since I have had the pacemaker, my life has improved significantly.
Have You Experienced Any Issues With Your Pacemaker Since Getting A Fitbit?
I had a pacemaker implanted in 2016, and have been wearing a Fitbit Inspire HR since May 2021. I have not had any issues with my pacemaker and the Fitbit. However, I did speak with my cardiac electrophysiologist before getting the Fitbit, and he did tell me that there is a small risk of interference with the pacemaker if I wore it too close to the pacemaker. I made sure to keep the Fitbit at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker, and have not had any issues.
The Fitbit Inspire HR has been a great addition to my daily routine. It has helped me to track my steps, sleep, and overall activity, and has motivated me to be more active and make healthier choices. I would definitely recommend the Fitbit Inspire HR to anyone with a pacemaker, as long as they keep it at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker.
What Did Your Doctor Say About Using A Fitbit While Having A Pacemaker?
My doctor said that wearing a Fitbit is generally safe for people with pacemakers, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the Fitbit should be at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker. Second, the Fitbit should not be worn while exercising, as it could cause the pacemaker to malfunction. Finally, the Fitbit should be removed before going through airport security, as the metal detector could interfere with the pacemaker.
Overall, my doctor said that wearing a Fitbit is generally safe for people with pacemakers, but it’s important to follow the guidelines and be aware of the potential risks.
Takeaways
The debate over whether or not Fitbit devices can interfere with pacemakers has been a hot topic in the medical community for some time. Studies have been conducted that show that these devices can, in fact, interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker, but the results are mixed.
In one study, researchers found that the Fitbit Inspire 2 device, when worn within two feet of a pacemaker, caused the pacemaker to stop working properly. The Inspire 2 was shown to be a significant source of interference, with its wireless technology and high battery power.
In another study, researchers found that the Fitbit Inspire 2 and Inspire 3 devices did not interfere with pacemakers when they were used at a distance of more than three feet.