The Effects of Mobile Phones on Pacemaker Functions

The negative effect of the electromagnetic field generated by different systems on the pacemaker functions is very well known. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mobile phones on pacemaker functions. A total of 679 patients with permanent pacemakers enrolled in this study. The study was performed in two steps. Pacemaker lead polarity was unipolar in the first step and bipolar in the second step. Pacemaker sensitivity was first at nominal values, yet it was reduced to the minimal value for that pacemaker and then tested. Two mobile phones (power output 2W, GSM 900 MHz) were symmetrically located on either sides of the pacemaker pocket with the antenna being at distances of 50, 30, 20 and 10 cm and at close contact with the pocket. The tests were performed when both mobiles were opened, on stand-by, receiving a call, during the call and were closed. Thirty-seven patients with pacemakers were affected (5.5%). When the lead polarity was unipolar, the rate of being affected was higher when compared to the bipolar state (4.12% and 1.40%, respectively, p<0.05). The increase in sensitivity was not an independent factor on the rate of being affected (p>0.05). There was not any difference between the single and dual-chamber pacemakers in the rate of being affected. There was ventricular triggering in one DDD-R pacemaker, transition to asynchronous mode in 33 VVI(R) pacemakers and inhibition in 3 VVI pacemakers. The rate of being affected was increased as the pacemaker got age (p<0.05). All of these episodes were reversible. In conclusion, mobile phones might have negative effects on pacemaker functions under certain conditions. This does not result in any symptoms other than the inhibition of pacemakers and returns to normal when the mobile phones are taken away.