Pacemakers and travelators

[Traceyma]

Hi everyone think this sounds like a daft query but if anyone has any advice i would be grateful. Had my pacemaker fitted 10 weeks ago and was told the usual things to avoid such as magnets. Ive since read somewhere that you should avoid those travelator systems in supermarkets as they use magnetism to stop the trolleys moving backwards. I'm claustrophobic and don't like lifts so this might be a problem shopping in my local asda. Has anyone else heard of this?

[IanMK]

Hi Tracey

I thought the trolleys were retained on the travelator by the wheels engaging in slots. Regardless, though, only a strong magnetic field will affect your pacemaker so as long as any magnet is kept away from the top of your chest you should be fine.

[Traceyma in reply to IanMK]

Thanks for your reply. Its put my mind at rest.

There's certainly no warnings on the travelators about pacemakers and i hadnt really thought about it until i read the bit on the web. I haven't read it anywhere else so i can shop without worrying about it!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to IanMK]

A second type has trolleys with strong magnets in the wheels. Again there would be no risk as your chest should be a good way away. The chances of having a magnetic trolley wheel going over your chest are probably less than winning the lottery!

[Traceyma in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply. The general feedback I'm getting has made me confident that i dont need to worry!

[stevejb1810]

Pacemakers and strong magnetic fields do not mix but I would have thought that the magnetic field for a travelator is a lot lower and unlikely to be an issue. If it was a major concern it would have to have safety notices advising people in your position, not to use it and I have never seen such. This is one of those times where a quick Google search might be helpful.

[Traceyma in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks Steve i think there would be notices up as you say if they posed a problem. Just saw a couple of things online which made me wonder. Ill not worry about it!

[Nannybear]

I had my pacemaker fitted over a year ago, and was told not to use supermarket travelators!!

[Traceyma in reply to Nannybear]

That's interesting to know. Seems there is some conflicting advice on this!