Are everyday electrical appliances safe with a pacemaker or ICD?

Generally yes. Modern devices are well shielded, and household items like hairdryers, microwaves, computers and TVs are fine. A useful rule is to keep gadgets and strong magnets a short distance (commonly around 15 cm) from the device. If you feel dizzy near an appliance, move away and the device returns to normal.

How should I use my mobile phone?

Keep it more than about 15 cm from the device, use the ear on the opposite side, and do not carry it in a breast or shirt pocket directly over the device. The same care applies to smart watches and wireless earbuds worn near the chest.

What about airport security and shop security gates?

Walk through shop anti-theft gates at a normal pace without lingering. At airports, tell security you have a cardiac device and show your card; walking through the archway at a normal pace is generally fine, you can request a hand search, and a handheld wand should not be held over the device.

Can I have an MRI scan?

Never assume an MRI is safe. Many newer devices are MRI-conditional (a scan may be possible under strict conditions with the device checked and reprogrammed), but not all qualify and older systems can be unsafe. Always tell the MRI or radiology team you have a cardiac device before booking or entering the scanner.

Do I need to tell my dentist or physiotherapist about my device?

Yes, always tell every doctor, dentist, physiotherapist and surgeon before any treatment, and show your device card. Surgical diathermy, TENS machines, some dental equipment, radiotherapy and certain scans need special handling. Never assume staff already know.

Cardiac Devices: Electrical Interference & MRI Safety

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 28 Aug 2026 · General information, not medical advice

One of the most common worries after getting a pacemaker or ICD is whether everyday electrical gadgets are safe. The reassuring answer is that modern devices are well shielded and most household equipment is fine, but a few strong sources of electromagnetic interference deserve care, and two rules stand above all: always tell medical staff you have a device, and never assume an MRI is safe. This guide explains what to watch for.

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In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.

This is general information and does not replace your team’s advice. Never assume an MRI is safe: always tell the MRI or radiology team you have a cardiac device before booking or entering the scanner room. Always tell any doctor, dentist, physiotherapist or surgeon about your device before any procedure. Carry your device identification card.

Most things are safe

Modern pacemakers and ICDs have a metal casing and filtering that shield them, so problems from everyday equipment in good working order are rare. Household items such as hairdryers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, computers, televisions and kitchen appliances are generally safe to use as normal. A useful general rule is to keep gadgets, and anything with a strong magnet or field, at least a short distance, commonly cited as around 15 centimetres, from the device. If you ever feel dizzy or notice your heart racing near an appliance, simply move away, and the device returns to normal once you are clear of the source.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are safe to use, with sensible care. Keep the phone more than about 15 centimetres from the device, use the ear on the opposite side to the device, and do not carry the phone in a breast or shirt pocket directly over it. The same thinking applies to smart watches and wireless earbuds worn near the chest. These are small habits, easily built in, that keep any interference well away from the device.

Security gates and airports

Shop anti-theft gates, the security pedestals at store entrances, are fine to walk through at a normal pace, but do not lean on them or linger near them. At airport security, tell staff you have a cardiac device and show your device identification card. Walking through an archway metal detector at a normal pace without lingering is generally fine, but you can request a hand search instead if you prefer, and a handheld wand should be kept moving and not held over the device. Follow the security team’s process, card in hand.

Household magnets

Strong magnets can affect a device, so avoid resting magnetic items directly over it. This includes some tablet and phone covers with magnetic closures, magnetic phone mounts and holders, and some headphones and earbuds. Induction hobs produce a strong field, so keep a clear distance and do not lean directly over the hob above the device while it is on. In everyday use these are easy to avoid once you know to keep strong magnets off your chest.

What to avoid

Some stronger sources need real caution. Arc or electric welding, working close to strong industrial magnetic fields, and being near large generators or motors can interfere with a device, so if your work or hobbies involve these, discuss them with your cardiac team, who can advise whether and how they can be done safely. This is one area where it is worth checking rather than assuming, because industrial fields are far stronger than anything in the home.

Always tell medical staff

This rule is essential: always tell every doctor, dentist, physiotherapist and surgeon that you have a cardiac device before any treatment, and show your device card. Several common medical procedures need special handling around a device, including surgical diathermy or electrocautery, TENS machines used for pain, some dental equipment, radiotherapy, and certain other treatments and scans. Letting staff know in advance lets them take the right precautions, so never assume they already know.

MRI: never assume it is safe

MRI scanners use a very strong magnetic field, and this is the most important point of all. Many newer devices are described as MRI-conditional, meaning an MRI may be possible under strict conditions, with the device checked and reprogrammed around the scan by the team. But not all devices and leads qualify, and older systems can make an MRI unsafe. So you must never assume any MRI is safe. Always tell the MRI or radiology team you have a cardiac device before booking or entering the scanner room, so they can confirm whether your device and leads are MRI-conditional and arrange the right precautions. Carrying your device card, which records the make and model, makes these checks much quicker. In Singapore, your cardiology team can confirm your device details for any planned scan.

Sources

NHS – Pacemaker implantation: nhs.uk
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – MRI and cardiac devices: mriphysics.scot.nhs.uk
Medtronic – Electromagnetic compatibility guide (patient): medtronic.com
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS – Living with your ICD: leedsth.nhs.uk

General information only. This guide supports, but does not replace, the advice of your cardiology team, who fit and program your device and tailor your care. Always carry your device identification card, and tell any doctor, dentist, surgeon or radiographer that you have a cardiac device before any procedure or scan. Never assume an MRI is safe. Call 995 if an ICD delivers a shock and you feel unwell (chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or fainting), if you receive more than one shock in a short time, or if someone with a device collapses: start CPR and call 995, as it is safe to touch them. Do not drive until your cardiologist and the traffic authority have cleared you. If you are struggling emotionally, you are not alone: the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) are on 1767 and mindline.sg on 1771.

Electrical Devices, Interference & MRI Safety (Singapore)