Pacemaker and induction hob

[Burleighblue]

Hi hearties, I'm new here today. My bio tells my story. I'm currently waiting for the outcome of multiple recent tests following recent MI and stent. I may need a pacemaker plus more interventions. I have an induction hob which I love and would be reluctant to replace. Does anyone have experience of continuing to use an induction hob with a pacemaker?

[Rosie1066]

yes, I believe there is a problem with induction hobs and pacemakers but you will be given advice when you are discharged.

[Burleighblue in reply to Rosie1066]

Thank you @Rosie1066 😀

[Hanibil]

I have a CRT-D implant and use an induction hob every day, I obviously have to stand by it when using it ,but I never learn over it whilst it is on.

[L8Again]

My wife had a Pacemaker fitted late last year. You will be given a book of things to avoid: for example, high power arc welding! When my wife asked about induction hobs her cardiologist told her that they can still be used with care. For example, using the right hand to place/remove pans from the hob; stir etc to keep the pacemaker away from the hob.

Worst case: his opinion was that if a person with a pacemaker placed his/her chest on the hob all that might happen is that the pacemaker would be reset to its factory settings.

Can I use an induction hob if I have a pacemaker?

Induction hobs do generate electromagnetic fields, so keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) between the stovetop and your pacemaker. Most people should be able to use a hob if they follow these precautions, but if you are choosing a new cooker, it may be easier to pick one that is not an induction hob.

Source: BHF

[honeybubs]

I decided to replace mine incase I forgot not to get too close to it and as I worry about the least little things decided it was the best thing for me and my cardiologist agreed. X

[Gfern]

Yes we have an induction hob and I have a CRT D implant and I use it everyday. I asked the question of the techs who run it and was told not to lie on it otherwise it’s ok in normal use. Until you know the type of pacemaker you have only then can you then follow the manufacturer instructions specific to your device. These will detail all the warnings about electro magnetic devices and how to mitigate them. You will also get that information from your fitter. My Medtronic App also has a good section on Education which covers most questions and was most helpful in calming the worries that one has with any new health situation. In practice and after a month of using it, it becomes the new norm and you will probably be feeling it’s benefits rather than potential problems it could cause.

[pauljusa]

No problem, I've had a PM for many years, and we've had a couple of induction hobs from different brands. Bon appetit. 👍

[Blackknight57]

I was told not to use induction hobs, stand away from working microwave, induction hobs and not put my mobile phone close to any holster monitor. I read that ICD and pace maker to do same .?

I have been advised to have an ICD fitted.

My hobs are halogen so I have np with cooking.

[Lovedogs1]

Hi, I’m very interested in this. I have a CRT-P pacemaker, which happened just as we were having a new kitchen fitted. We already had the induction hob, but I was to scared to have it put in. I would love to be able to use it, it’s still upstairs in the box, but I still can’t make up my mind about using it, some advice is it’s ok, and some say no it’s not worth the risk. At the time I had the pacemaker I was very fearful, but feel a bit calmer about thing now.

[Burleighblue in reply to Lovedogs1]

Yes, I have similar concerns. I had my new kitchen put in two years ago and switched from gas to induction - no more gas in my kitchen! And I'm completely sold on induction cooking, it's so efficient. So I will ask lots of questions if I do need a pacemaker and come back to the forum with the advice I receive. If I really have to swap it out I will stay with electric. 🙂

[Etzel]

I'm now 18 months into my ICD and was equally concerned about my hob at the start, now I frequently forget and walk into the kitchen while it's on, my wife still won't let me cook on it but I count that as a bonus! I've also had headphones hang round my neck and whilst on hold for a doctors call completely forgot and had my mobile sat directly on top of it!! All with no effect.

Interestingly during an angiogram at Harefield a few months back they attached various monitor leads as per usual then taped a magnet over the top of the ICD, the doctor doing it said if we see anything change we will just remove it and the device will take over again. This implies the device doesn't reset but just goes into some kind of standby mode until the magnet is removed.

[Burleighblue in reply to Etzel]

Thanks to eveyone who has replied on this topic. I'll let you know what happens next. 😀