How to handle electric blankets and pacemakers and are they safe together?

As winter approaches many people enjoy the warmth of an electric blanket at night, and while they are fine for people who do not have pacemakers, there may be a question as to whether they are safe for those who do wear pacemakers.

According to the NHS website electric blankets do give off an electromagnetic field, but this is weak and nowhere near strong enough to interfere with the pacemaker. Additionally, all modern pacemakers are heavily shielded against electromagnetic fields so that the function of the pacemaker is not affected.

What about electric blankets if you have heart problems?

Again, there is no scientific evidence to say that using an electric blanket will have an effect. However, what could happen is that becoming overheated could stress the heart and this may trigger an episode.

If you have a heart problem and plan on using an electric blanket you should make sure you know which setting is safe. For this you should check the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you cannot find anything, you may consider contacting them.

Some pacemaker dos and don’ts

Do inform the DVLA and car insurance company
Do use your cordless or mobile phone on the opposite side to the pacemaker
Do keep your MP3 player at least 15 cm from the pacemaker
Do walk through airport security but keep your ID card with you as you will very likely set the alarm off
Don’t use an induction hob unless it is more than 60cm from your pacemaker
Don’t place anything with a magnet within 15cm of the pacemaker
Don’t stand too long in doorways where there are anti theft systems, walk through them
Don’t stand close to the airport security screening for a long time. If you are checked with a handheld scanner ask that it not be held over the pacemaker

Final thoughts

Just because you have a pacemaker it does not mean you will be cold in winter. There are simple ways to ensure that you can stay warm and safe. If you are in any doubt you should contact the manufacturer before using the blanket.

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