I've had to rely on pacemakers to live since 11 months old. Now i'm 19 about to go in for surgery in another 2 years. Never knew this information but I've always have not liked the presence of big magnets around me. So glad what my parents were telling me were false and just fear-mongering, but still safe to tread carefully.

Thank you. You’re video has helped me to better understand the interaction with ICD’s and magnets.

Very interesting. I heard this tone several times in the last few weeks. I didn't know where it was coming from. I even put my key fab to my ear to check. Then I put 2 and 2 together because I had my earbud hanging directly over my ICD. These are the earbuds that have the strong magnets in them to hold them together when not being worn. After watching your video, I feel much more at ease.

Great videos Doug, thanks for doing this it helps a lot.

Thanks for all your vids.. I have an icd and noone really told me about it.. thanks again

Absolutely great info was going to go magnet finishing was a little worried.. thanks.

Very useful info.

Thank you

Thank you for this video. May I ask which type of ICD do you have and from what manufacturer?

@DouglasRachac

4 жыл бұрын

Pavel -I have a Medtronic Evera single chamber ICD.

Doug, thanks for all the videos, they have been so helpful. Question though, when you do come in close contact with a magnet, does it record that in the devices memory? Will my doctor see the interactions with magnets when the programming switches? Also, have you done any videos explaining the bedside device from Medtronic ICD’s? Thanks again.

@DouglasRachac

11 ай бұрын

Ooh, excellent question! The answer is, it depends. The device does record that interaction with a magnet, but some company's don't present that data up front for the physician to see. With Medtronic devices, for example, the data is recorded behind the scenes. If a doctor wanted to see if there were any device/magnet interactions they would have to contact Medtronic's Technical Services, send them the download data electronically, and ask that they pull that file/data out of the download. I think they did this because everyday magnet contact is harmless, and there are very rare cases where seeing that data up front would be helpful. But, that's not to say those situations don't exist. They do, and it is one thing I wish every company made easily accessible. I think a lot of ER visits would be shortened, and a few mysteries solved if they were to do this. And, I do have a video about remote monitoring. It's not Medtronic specific, but more about remote monitoring in general where I use my Medtronic bedside monitor as a prop. You can find that here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dJisp7FpaairmdI.htmlsi=LBbcOLWH6gCUwgjp

Thank you so much for this video. I have a medtronic ICD, for about 6 months now, and still getting nervous. I actually found one of those 90g Medtronic magnets at work (I am a mechanic), and was using it to remove a bolt from a tight space. I set it down on the car, and as I leaned into the engine bay, it got me... I won't lie, that I was scared, waiting for word from the doctor, and your video helped put my mind at ease. So thank you very much. Given my profession, it is nice to know that magnets aren't really all that dangerous.

@DouglasRachac

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the note, James. I’m glad to hear my video was helpful.

Hi. Very interesting what you did here. What about the interaction between AED and a ICD or pacemaker. Would AED shock the patients if they are in shocking rhythm? Thanks.

@DouglasRachac

4 жыл бұрын

marinela - Thanks for watching! Our devices are designed to work well with AEDs. The AED will only shock of a shock is needed (it won’t be confused by the presence of a device) and your device won’t be harmed by the shock delivered by an AED. Bottom line is if you need a shock and your ICD isn’t able to get you back into normal rhythm an AED should absolutely be used. Good question!! Thanks for asking.

Thanks Doug, very informative and interesting. Considering that you aren't a medical professional, how come you are so proficient on these devices, are they related to your field of work?

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Felix, I spent 14 years working for Medtronic between 1997 and 2014. I spent most of my time there in the cardiac division and picked up quite a bit of information there.

Hi Doug , excellently presented video and super-clear communication of your knowledge, experience and concerns for those of you who watch your videos. Unsure if you can help, I had a Boston Scientific ICD fitted 7 weeks ago and I wish to get back training and cycling (had CA while cycling and training for a 194 mile race, so quite a surprise). I’m 60 in December, in good physical condition visceral fat

@DouglasRachac

Ай бұрын

Hi Jamie, thanks for the note! I also like to cycle, though you have me beat in mileage by a long shot. I think 35 miles is my longest ride to date. While I ride I am monitored by both my Apple Watch and my Polar watch/chest strap HR monitor combo. It’s safe to use a chest strap with a Bluetooth monitor, so a HR monitor attached to your arm will be no problem at all. Be sure to check with your doctor to ensure they do not have any concerns. My doc said that at 8 weeks post implant I could start to ease back into my training regimen, and by week 12 I could be back at 100 % pushing myself to the limits. He told me my device is there to protect me, not prevent me from doing anything. Good luck getting back in the saddle, and good luck on your race in December!

Thank you very much for your videos. Question. Why doesn't every ICD come with a magnet for emergency situations, ie, where they are getting inappropriate shocks? I can't seem to get an answer to this question. I have demanded a magnet and they are now going to provide it. Question two. Where do you keep your magnet so that is available when you need it? Thanks for your help.

@DouglasRachac

2 жыл бұрын

They don’t come with magnets because the feature of shutting off the shock function temporarily was never intended for patient use. And misuse or misunderstandings for how that function works could lead to problems. Plus, a person receiving multiple unending inappropriate shocks is very very rare. So it is not considered a necessary action to take to give every patient a magnet. But, if you understand how to use a magnet properly it doesn’t hurt having a strong one nearby somewhere. I have several around the house, in the garage and one in my truck. You don’t need a magnet from the manufacturer, just a strong magnet, which you can buy at a hardware store, or on Amazon. Just remember, a magnet placed on an ICD temporarily disables the shock function. If you do this do NOT tape or secure the magnet to your chest, and don’t lay down with the magnet on your chest. Remain upright, holding the magnet, and seek medical attention. This way if you actually do have a cardiac arrest you will pass out, drop the magnet, and your device will return to its normal Function and save the day.

@jimkoll52

2 жыл бұрын

I think every ICD implant patient to make informed decisions has a right to know the odds of inappropriate shocks and to have a magnet to stop them until they can receive assistance. I have read the studies. Do you agree? Thank you for your help.

@DouglasRachac

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimkoll52 I agree that patients should be educated about their devices and how magnets interact with them. And, once a person learns how to use one properly, that they can be prepared by having magnets available for their use. While inappropriate shocks are (unfortunately) not terribly rare, the shock storms, where a patient is shocked repeatedly over and over again, is pretty rare. I try not to worry about those, but am prepared “just in case”.

If your still doing videos can you do one about riding roller coasters and scary rides at theme parks my doctor wants me to consider getting and ICD but I don’t want to if I will have to change the way I go on my vacations and other stuff I like to do

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea Payton, thank you! to gather a little more information I've reached out to a fellow ICD patient who designs thrill rides, including rollercoasters, for a living. I'm sure he'll have some interesting insights to share. Thanks for the idea. I'll post the video in the next few weeks. In the mean time know that it isn't your device that will limit your thrill ride riding. After you've healed up (3+ months post implant) your device and leads will be able to handle any thrill ride. But, your heart itself might be a limiting factor. Talk to your doctor about your underlying heart condition and ask if your heart can handle something like a rollercoaster. If so, get out there and enjoy!

@paytonlescalleet9714

3 жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac thank you so much I did talk to my doctor today and as long as the ride won’t press down to tight around my implant area because I’m small I’m good to go my specific condition happens at random times no exact reasons trigger it so he said enjoy pretty much what ever I want

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

@@paytonlescalleet9714 One tip I’ll give you... The shoulder harnesses usually rest exactly on my device, so I bring a lightweight sweatshirt along. I bundle it up and place it directly above my device so the weight of my body against the shoulder harness rests on that sweatshirt rather than on my device. It’s a much more comfortable ride when I do that. Have fun at the amusement parks!!

@paytonlescalleet9714

3 жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac great idea thanks

Can you do a video I have several members with heart problems and pacemakers

@jamieokane989

Ай бұрын

Why not go to your doctor? He tells you at the start he’s not a medical professional.

I called my electrophysiologist and the person that answered the phone didn’t know about the sound ask if it sounded like an English police car and I said no it’s a very calm sound come to find out I have my iPhone 13 in my purse but I don’t think it’s my phone that’s doing it the purse has six magnetic closers on the top of it and I’ve been putting the person to my arm thank you for this video

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

Ah, the darn magnets in the purse. That's a common source of magnets. At least you know now why that sound is happening, and that it can't hurt you. Now you can laugh when it happens.

Is it possible the cardiologist can control your heart rate with the new blue tooth /wifi technology.. I get episodes of tachycardia since pm inserted, I feel its been paced upwards to over 100 HB.. I regret having this kind of remote control technology implanted, with no way of switching it off.. Is there a way to negate the WiFi signals.. I phoned medtronic​ but they weren't helpful..

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

That’s a good question. Fortunately there is currently no possible way to alter a person’s implanted device from afar through the Bluetooth technology. It is designed specifically for that to be impossible. In order to change or alter the way the device functions someone would need to use a programmer and be within 10-15 feet of you to make that change with the device. There are several different security measures within your device and within the programmer that make “hacking” an extremely difficult and time consuming effort. It’s so difficult that no one’s device has been successfully accessed or altered in the wild so far. I hope they helps answer your questions.

Did you obtain your magnet when you had your device implanted? If not where would one obtain one or will a Medtronic representative get one for me? Thanks!

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

Hi Dirk, I actually obtained mine while working at Medtronic. Your doctor’s office might be able to give you an extra. If not any sizable, strong magnet would be sufficient, and those can be purchased at big box stores or online.

@dirkmoore4224

Жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac Thank you!

Magnets just shut off the ICD on my Metatronic pacemaker/ ICD but it doesn't stop the pacemaker.

@DouglasRachac

2 жыл бұрын

Correct! This is something I briefly touch on in this video, but cover in much more detail in another video, found here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k4Zt3MqJZMSYdsY.html In ICDs pacing is unaffected, but the shock function is suspended while a magnet is placed on top of the device.

Any thoughts on martial arts training with an ICD?

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

I spoke with another patient with an ICD who has continued their MMA career. I’m sure it hurts like a hot poker when he’s hit there, but it’s possible. If you’re going to be sparring you may want to wear a protective shield. I made a video on the Vital Beat shield that you can check out. I would recommend Vital Beat or another similar product. It’s pretty impressive.

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

Here’s the link to that video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/p6V8p6ehXbqwk5M.html

Does this also imply that being near Microwave ovens is safe too? I know older pacemakers could not be anywhere near a microwave because it would cause it to malfunction.

@DouglasRachac

10 ай бұрын

Todays implanted devices are entirely safe around appliances like microwaves ovens. The rules of 20+ years ago are no longer applicable. I even made a short video about microwave ovens here: kzread.info-d4P4ZSi5uA?si=mAdPTLSjtgZeulbU

Just a quick question. Can wireless headphones or game pads affect the pacemaker?

@DouglasRachac

6 ай бұрын

Hi @jiberdee, Theoretically, yes. But only if you lay the items on your chest right over the device and leave them there. They won't affect your device if you're using those items as they are normally used. The device companies recommed you not wear your headphones around your neck, but over your ears are no problem.

@lovetaylorswiftjm

6 ай бұрын

@@DouglasRachac thanks

Can I tape it to my chest while I weld? And is a stronger than 90 magnet ok to use

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

No, under *no* circumstances should you tape or secure a magnet to your device. The reason why is because your device would be unable to shock you if you really did have a cardiac arrest while the magnet was taped to your device. The better choice is to follow the guidelines for safe welding published by the med device companies. Here is Medtronic’s info: www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/electromagnetic-guide/frequently-asked-questions.html#welding As for the strength of the magnet, that doesn’t matter. Your device could be in close contact with a magnet stronger than 90 gauss and it wouldn’t damage your device or leads.

@MichelleReck-um9jk

Жыл бұрын

If I hold the magnet there while I weld then I won’t get shocked from the welder I’m guessing, thanks for your reply, can’t find those medtronic or boston scientific magnets anywhere

Do ICDs also have a set rate they switch to when affected by a magnet?

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

Hi Nick, thanks for watching. I don’t believe there are any ICDs where pacing is affected by a magnet. It’s best to check with your device manufacturer to be sure. As far as I know, when a magnet comes into contact with an ICD the pacing rate of the ICD is unaffected. The ICD will continue to pace as it has without any change. But the ICD will not shock while the magnet is placed on top of it. I hope that helps out!

@nickname3721

Жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac Thanks for the answer, It did indeed help out! I fortunately don't have or need a pacemaker or ICD, I came here via a link on Reddit :)

Hey Doug, thank you for the informative vid. I’m a 20 year old with a 9 month old ICD, I have one question. 2 days ago I did a stupid thing, found some old magnets laying around and before throwing them away I tried to see if it sticks to my ICD. My device played a police car/firetruck tone (which it has done before when I didn’t have an external relay device and it couldn’t transmit data in the very beginning). Also I felt dizzy with a shivery and blood moving into my head kind of feeling. Conclusion: the magnet did stick but never doing that again. Question: Any idea why I felt what I did? And why wasn’t it the same tone like your device during both connectivity and magnetic issues? To note- my pacing is off.

@DouglasRachac

5 ай бұрын

Hey AZBuzz thanks for watching. Well, I can tell you a few things. First of all, a magnet won’t stick to your ICD because the ICD is made of titanium, and that’s a non-ferrous (non-magnetic) material. The fact that you heard a police siren means you have a Medtronic ICD. Normally, as you noticed, when you place a magnet on a Medtronic ICD you’ll hear a 10-second solid tone. That just means that a magnet is directly over the device. The only time it will play one of the other 2 audible tones is when the device has noticed something wrong and it tripped an alert. In those cases when you place a magnet over your device you’ll hear the alert tone that tripped. But, you should also be hearing that same sound every day during your daily alarm time (probably in the early morning around 8 or 9 am). If you heard the police siren during a magnet swipe that is something you should have your doctor look at during an in-office visit. The other thing is the symptoms you experienced. A magnet swipe won’t impact any pacing your ICD might be delivering. It would only prevent a shock from happening. This means the symptoms you felt weren’t a result of the magnet being placed in your device. This could have been a reaction due to anxiety from hearing the alarm, or for some other reason, but the magnet wouldn’t have been the cause of that feeling. I hope this info helps.

@AZZZBUZZZTERR

5 ай бұрын

@@DouglasRachac Thank you for the quick and informative reply. Yes I do have a Medtronic Cobalt VR device. As for the police siren tone, like I said I had the tone play when my ICD wasn’t connected to the external device. Yes that happened every day at 8:30 am with the same police siren tone (I saw Medtronic’s tone guide video, it’s supposed to be an emergency tone for a doc visit. So I’m not sure why my magnetic detection tone is the police siren instead of the single tone I should be hearing.) When I asked the programmer about those alarms, I believe he turned that feature off. Since then I’ve never heard the tone/alarm. I did receive my one and only shock later on, but no tones until I did this. As for the anxiety, yes I can see how that can be the reason. But I still think it wasn’t because I felt a shiver down my whole body, some minute palpitations, blood shooting up/down my head and I took an ECG from my Apple Watch that showed some minor arrhythmias for about 10-15 seconds. If you say so, I do have an in-office visit coming up in feb first week and I’ll get it checked then. Would that be alright or too late? Thank you so much, I appreciate your time and detailed explanation:)

@DouglasRachac

5 ай бұрын

@@AZZZBUZZZTERR when you visit your doctor is your call. Typically the high urgency alarm is something you want to get checked quickly. But if it’s something your clinician has already seen they must not be concerned. If they are monitoring you remotely they would see any new issues and address them if needed. But be sure to discuss this at your next visit, and have them reset the alarm. You should hear a solid tone after swiping a magnet across your device. You can even test this at the visit to make sure it happens. Then you’ll know the alarm has been reset, and any time after this visit you hear something other than a solid tone during a magnet swipe you’ll know this is a new alarm that has been tripped and you can call your clinic to address it.

@AZZZBUZZZTERR

5 ай бұрын

@@DouglasRachacthank you so much for the help Doug, I’ll definitely do that and update here as well:)

@AZZZBUZZZTERR

4 ай бұрын

@@DouglasRachac Hi Doug, I forgot to update after my latest visit. So I got my normal heart checkup and ICD visit done, the programmer said there was no such record of a major arrhythmia since my last check up, he couldn’t find out what I felt when I sticked the magnet on my device. As for the alarms, he said the alarm tones are set by default and there’s no way in his knowledge to change them and he’s not sure why the magnet swipe played an emergency ambulance/police tone instead of a single tone. What do you say about this?

Oh that's good cause I got scared yesterday because I forgot my friend had a pacemaker in him and I used a magnet on his chain but I accidentally put it on his pacemaker and it made a really loud noise

Do You know how to protect pacemaker with EMP

@Random-user22

2 ай бұрын

Where would you even get a emp

By the way, which magnet did you used?

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

I used what's called a Donut Magnet that is manufactured by Medtronic. I don't think they are available via Amazon any more, but any strong magnet found at Home Depot, Lowe's or Amazon will be strong enough. One piece of warning: Don't use a magnet unless you are absolutely certain you understand what using one does with your device. Don't ever tape a magnet to your chest, and don't ever lay down with a magnet on top of your device. Always remain upright holding the magnet with your hand. Your best course of action, though, is to never use a magnet unless absolutely necessary, like when your ICD is shocking you repeatedly when you feel no symptoms at all.

@vidyasagar289

3 жыл бұрын

I understood how it work clearly now. my uncle getting shocks very frequently (Daily) he is a heart failure patient. He is unable to cope up with the pain so he requested us to deactivate the ICD but as soon as it is deactivated, he will be die. I want to have one for emergency situation.

@vidyasagar289

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the details.. 😊

@DouglasRachac

3 жыл бұрын

@@vidyasagar289 Yes, you are correct. If a magnet is used on his ICD it will be unable to shock him if he has another heart event. This is how some medical personal deactivate devices at the end of their patient's lives. It sounds like you clearly understand what the magnet will do. Best of luck to your family and your uncle.

Where can I get a magnet and what gauss strength do I need

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

Hi Norman, thanks for watching. Any magnet of enough strength will interact with an implanted device. Those can be purchased at big-box stores or on-line. They need to be at least 10 gauss, but the packaging for magnets rarely mentions gauss strength, and most people don’t have a means to measure that. If it’s strong enough to hold several sheets of paper securely to a metal surface it should be strong enough. Also, a larger diameter makes it easier to find the right spot. Little button magnets may be strong enough, but are difficult to get in the right spot.

@canigetahoooyyyaaaaa7319

Жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac why the hell are you teaching people to mess with their doctor ordered instructions. Disgusting. You should be sued.

Can we buy that kind of magnet?

@DouglasRachac

2 жыл бұрын

Not this specific magnet, at least not directly from Medtronic. But any strong magnet that you buy at the hardware store will interact with the device in the same way. If you buy a magnet to use with your device never tape or otherwise secure the magnet to your chest. And never lay down with a magnet on your chest. If you use a magnet always remain upright and always hold it in your hand. This way, if you do happen to experience an event that makes you dizzy, you will drop the magnet, and once you do your device will return to its normal programming.

@morningos

2 жыл бұрын

@@DouglasRachac Thank You

@DouglasRachac

8 ай бұрын

@@JustADudeGamer hey, fellow gamer! You don’t have to worry about your heart rate crashing too fast. If you have a shockable rhythm the device will shock you whether it happens 10 seconds or 10 minutes after the fatal rhythm starts. If your heart stops pumping blood effectively you’ll lose consciousness in 4-7 seconds, and then your device will take over. If you start to feel unwell (dizinesss, nausea, shortness of breath, etc) but you remain conscious, just remove the magnet and see what happens. If it determines you need to be shocked it will do it, otherwise it will just keep watching you and analyzing the rhythm.

Is it safe to use a toy drone?

@DouglasRachac

9 күн бұрын

Hi Tony, yes drones are safe to use. It's best to not hug it while it's running, and keep the controller at least 6 inches away from your device. Basically, if you're using a drone normally you'll have no problems. Thanks for watching!

@TonyInspiresPeople

9 күн бұрын

@@DouglasRachac thank you.

As long as it's not a super powered fishing-magnet.

@DouglasRachac

Жыл бұрын

My son has a fishing magnet listed as a 1000 lbs magnet. It’s been a lot of fun searching for treasures with him. The same rule applies with these magnets and even super powerful rare earth magnets. Their magnetic strength dissipates quickly over distance. My friend’s 5000 gauss neodymium magnet is safe at 6 inches of distance, but trips the magnet response at 5 inches. Even then, it won’t harm the device. I always use the “don’t hug that” rule. As long as you aren’t hugging a magnet to your chest you will be okay. I hope that info helps.

I’ve had a pacemaker all my life since 7months old, I’m now 31 I’m so lucky I’ve died 7 times