Though the average iPod user likely isn't also using a pacemaker, a recent study found that the portable music device may interfere with a pacemaker's function, which could lead to physicians misdiagnosing heart function. Interestingly, the question was originally asked by a 17-year-old high school student from Michigan, whose physician parents eventually set him up with researcher friend of the family who conducted the study at Michigan State University. What they found was that when an iPod was held 2 inches from the chest for 5 to 10 seconds, it interfered with the pacemaker's functioning about 50% of the time. In one instance, it made the pacemaker quit working altogether.
No other kind of music player was used in the study and the issue obviously needs more study, especially to see if iPods or other music players interfere with other kinds of equipment.
1. I can infer that pacemakers are sensitive electronic devices. A question is going in my head: What if pacemakers are exposed to electromagnetic pulses? lol :P
Posted at 1:10PM on May 14th 2007 by Biolovepulse89