Could a Bluetooth/Wifi Watch Trigger Afib and Afib Episodes?

[BigArnie]

So I believe that there has been some research on potential health issues with bluetooth/wifi headphones (I think with relatively little proof of harm?) but it occurred to me that I am in 24 hour skin contact with my Apple Watch, which ironically I purchased when I first started getting the occasional episode and was diagnosed with Afib. Probably coincidentally, the PAF episodes became more frequent quite soon after purchasing it, but is it really possible that the watch has actually exacerbated the condition? Does anyone have any personal experience/suspicions or seen any research? Thanks for any inputs.

[BobD Volunteer]

Not personally but I do know one member who believes that his AF was caused by carrying his mobile phone in his top shirt pocket over his heart. Some people are more sensitive to EMI than others.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Yes, Bob is quite correct. That person was me.

I was diagnosed with AF in Jan 2010. I was listening to a radio programme during my period of recovery and waiting to return to work as a bus driver ... back in the day. It was a discussion programme on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity.

I could see parallels with my experience and whilst I could get no support from the medical fraternity I personally found a degree of comfort in the concept. I don't want to influence you one way or another but I do suggest you go online and research "Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity". Since 2010 much more research has been undertaken and I feel you will find much to be of interest in your predicament.

For some 2 to 2 and half years prior to AF mugging me I carried my mobile phone in my uniform shirt pocket - pocket location was top left. Of course since then I have examined my own family and there is no doubt a genetic link too in that AF has appeared in various branches of my fathers side of the family. So I suppose there is always the possibility of a genetic predisposition to AF and that twinned with my mobile phone issue triggered the AF for me.

Who knows ?

Hope this reference helps.

John

[BigArnie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks John, looking into it and will share anything especially useful!

[McIvor]

Years ago I read some studies about EMF exposure and arrhythmia. There seems to be some evidence. Here two links: magdahavas.com/from-zorys-a...

afibbers.org/forum/read.php...

[BigArnie in reply to McIvor]

Thanks McIvor. It is interesting that a few of those studies reference devices that are more in contact with the body such as pacemakers, even though they were probably carried out some while before the explosion in “wearable tech”. Is it possible that the significant increase in arrhythmias is related to the expansion of us all having home WiFi in the last 20 years, now amplified if we choose to wear transmitting devices 24 x 7?

[Tennisking]

I have an Apple Watch and have found it extremely useful for the ECG capability. Verifies when I’m in a full blown AF episode, and if I take an ECG reading, I can simply forward this to my surgeon to assess.

Personally, I switch off the Bluetooth and wifi functionality in order to avoid EMI.

[BigArnie in reply to Tennisking]

Yes, Tennisking, I agree it is incredibly useful for Afib. I find the connectivity very useful generally, but have also started trialling turning it off. We shall see...

[Tennisking in reply to BigArnie]

Hi BigArnie, turning all that technology off and reducing it back to a simple watch is frustrating, considering how expensive these gadgets are🥴. However, I’m pretty satisfied with just using my mobile, and accept whatever EMI comes from it, and avoid having a watch that keeps sending me messages, notifications etc and taking calls. I know this is pretty old school thinking ☺️

[momist]

Don't discount the placebo effect. Maybe your wearing of an Apple watch that can detect AF is what is exacerbating the frequency, or maybe just your anxiety?

[BigArnie in reply to momist]

Hi Momist, yes that is a good point and I do wonder... I certainly used to check my HR way too often, but have recently tried not to!

[grey-power]

Grey-power

Can you imagine going into someones home today and lighting up a cigarette or lighting up a cigarette without asking. Will we ever see the day when we enter someones private home and it becomes normal or acceptable to be asked to turn off your cell phone.

I do not believe the public are aware of the dangers of wireless devices. I recently read "The Invisible Rainbow" by Arthur Firstenberg ( it is a history of electricity & life) Our bodies are electrical and these outside EMF and EMR are everywhere.