Can You Use an Electric Blanket With a Pacemaker?

Worried about using an electric blanket with a pacemaker? Many people love the cozy warmth, but safety concerns often hold them back. 

The good news is modern pacemakers are built to handle everyday household devices. In this article, we’ll explain how to enjoy an electric blanket safely, tips to reduce risk, and what experts recommend.

• Modern Pacemakers Are Safe: Most pacemakers are well-shielded against everyday household EMFs, including electric blankets.
  
  

• Check Your Blanket: Only use blankets in good condition, less than 10 years old, and follow manufacturer instructions.
  
  

• Avoid Direct Contact: Keep the blanket away from your chest and never tuck wires under your body.
  
  

• Use Low Settings: Opt for low heat settings and preheat the blanket if needed to minimize any small risk.
  
  

• Monitor Your Symptoms: Stay alert for unusual sensations like skipped beats or dizziness, and consult your doctor if concerned.

Yes, you can safely use an electric blanket with a pacemaker. Ensure it’s in good condition, avoid old or damaged blankets, and follow manufacturer instructions. Benefits include staying warm, improving sleep quality, and easing muscle tension.

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that regulates slow or irregular heart rhythms. It consists of a pulse generator, leads, and electrodes, sensing the heart's activity and sending electrical impulses when needed, ensuring proper contraction. Types include permanent, temporary, and leadless pacemakers.

Most modern pacemakers are well shielded against everyday electromagnetic fields, and electric blankets typically produce currents within safe limits. 

The British Heart Foundation notes that heating devices, including electric blankets, are generally safe if used as intended. 

Major manufacturers such as Medtronic and Boston Scientific also classify them as “safe to use” with pacemakers. Likewise, NHS guidance highlights that modern devices are unlikely to be affected.

That said, some sensible precautions are advised. Specialists suggest avoiding direct use over the chest, limiting use to the lower body, or preheating the blanket before lying down. 

Interestingly, a report in the Kansas Journal of Medicine described a rare case of pacemaker interference linked to an electric blanket, underscoring the importance of monitoring any new or unusual symptoms.

To further minimize risk, experts recommend using a blanket less than 10 years old, avoiding secondhand products, and promptly replacing any that show wear or damage. 

For complete reassurance, checking advice from your pacing clinic or device manufacturer is always worthwhile.

Electric blankets produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which in rare cases, may affect pacemaker function, especially older models or those with unipolar leads. 

EMFs can interfere with a pacemaker’s ability to monitor your heart rhythm, potentially causing skipped beats, palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort. 

Thankfully, modern pacemakers are designed with shielding and bipolar leads, making them much less vulnerable to household EMFs. 

The levels emitted by electric blankets are generally low, and studies show they rarely impact contemporary pacemakers. 

Avoid placing the blanket directly over the implant site to minimize even small risks. Most manufacturers, including Boston Scientific and Medtronic, consider normal use of electric blankets safe. 

Pacemaker users should stay alert to any unusual symptoms and consult their doctor if concerned, allowing them to safely enjoy the comfort and warmth of an electric blanket.

For pacemaker users, using an electric blanket is generally safe. Research on electromagnetic interference (EMI) indicates that modern pacemakers and ICDs are well-shielded against everyday household sources like microwaves, radios, and electric blankets. 

As noted by Health Phys, the magnetic fields produced by heated blanket wires are relatively low, ranging from a few tenths of a microtesla on the far side of the body to a few tens of microtesla near the blanket, with whole-body averages around 2.2 microtesla. 

While it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure directly over your device, these levels are far below those that could cause interference. 

Leading manufacturers such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic consider electric blankets safe when used normally. 

For items placed directly over the pacemaker, like heated jackets or pads, it’s still wise to check with your pacing clinic. 

Modern pacemakers quickly return to their programmed settings once you move away from the heat source, allowing warmth without compromising safety.

If you have a pacemaker, use an electric blanket on low settings. Keep the blanket a few inches from the device and never tuck wires under your body to avoid interference or damage.