Pacemakers and magnets

Tommy Allison · From: Transfer, Pennsylvania, USA

A good friend and fellow steeler had a pacemaker implanted earlier this week. He was cautioned to avoid magnets. He is concerned if the magnet in his amp would be a hazard to him. I told him I didn't know about that for sure but a neo magnet may be an alternative. Does anyone know anything about this sort of thing?

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

That question might be best asked of the pacemaker manufacturer.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting.

Tommy Allison · From: Transfer, Pennsylvania, USA

Thanx for the reply Richard. That sounds like good advice. Since the procedure was performed under emergency conditions I'm sure there wasn't much time to think about it at the time. Not being able reach him by phone, I went to visit him at his home yesterday. He just had the surgery last monday so, he's probably just now starting to think about these things. I wonder if a pacemaker mfg. would even know what Black Widow speaker is.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Doug Earnest · From: Branson, MO USA

Instructions and advice on do and don't are included with the pacemaker documentation I have seen. I'm not offering any sort of medical advice here, just relating my understanding and experiences.

You don't want to be very close to a 950 megawatt generator in a power plant, or an MRI source, don't lean over a running automobile motor with your chest close to the alternator, things such as that. Don't stand next to a welder.

My understanding is that being at arm's length from most magnetic fields the average person is likely to encounter is a good rule of thumb.

I have put mine through several practical tests with no ill effects. It would likely be a very powerful magnetic source to cause trouble, or a smaller source right on top of the pacemaker.

Do your own research and use your own judgement.

Tommy Allison · From: Transfer, Pennsylvania, USA

Hi Doug, thanx for the input. I got a phone call last evening from a friend and fellow steeler who has been equipped with a pacemaker for several years and has had no problem with handling amps. I should have thought of that myself. But, as I've said before and will no doubt say again, there's no use being stupid if it don't show. It's good to chat with you even if only by computer. We sold our camper so, I don't know when or if I will ever be able to drop by your shop again and interrupt your progress

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