A study conducted by researchers at the University of Utah, USA and published in the journal Heart Rhythm Journalfound that patients with heart implantable electronic devices such as pacemakers when using fitness equipment are more likely to have a heart attack.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4, Fitbit smart scale, and Moodmetric smart rings are among the devices that can pose potential health risks.
The study “raises a red flag,” said Benjamin Sanchez Terrone, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Utah, in a news release.
Investigators have found, according to Sky News, that the problems were caused by specific smartwatches, smart scales and smart rings that use vital impedance It is the response of an organism to an externally applied electric current.
After testing the operation of the devices, the researchers also discovered that slight electrical currents coming from these devices can interfere with and sometimes jam the pacemakers. This causes the devices to work incorrectly.
“We have patients who depend on pacemakers for their livelihood,” said Professor of Medicine Benjamin Steinberg.
In the case of a pacemaker, it has been shown that a small electrical current of bioresistance can trick the heart into “thinking” it is beating fast enough, preventing the pacemaker from doing its job.
“If the pacemaker is confused by interference, it may stop working during the time that it is confused. If this interference is for a long time, the patient may faint or worse,” explained the professor.
The study adds that warnings have been issued regarding implantable heart devices and various interactions with other devices.
However, engineering professor Sanchez-Terrones said this is the first time the research has uncovered problems with the device’s biosensor technology that do not convey immediate or obvious risks to patients using the fitness equipment.
He concluded, “More studies are needed to evaluate these findings and confirm the health of patients.”
