Are Induction Stoves Safe to Use With a Pacemaker?

Though they may appear complicated to use at first glance, induction stoves are great appliances that are quickly gaining popularity. However, if you or a loved one rely on a pacemaker, they may not be the safest option for your household.

Induction stoves may not be safe to use with a pacemaker. People with pacemakers are better off avoiding induction stoves. Only upon consulting your doctor and the pacemaker's electromagnetic compatibility document should those with a pacemaker use induction cookware.

Suppose a pacemaker patient does use an induction stovetop. In that case, experts recommend maintaining a 2 ft (0.61m) distance from the stovetop to their pacemaker.

How Induction Stoves Interfere With Pacemakers

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is why induction cooktops can be dangerous to pacemaker patients. The EMI of the induction stove's EMF can affect a pacemaker in two main ways:

• EMI can mask the heartbeat from being read by the pacemaker.
• EMI can cause a false reading of the heartbeat to the pacemaker.

However, EMI cannot cause your pacemaker to turn off, reset the data, or do anything beyond interfering with the pacemaker sensing your heartbeat.

Understanding Pacemakers and Induction Stoves

Pacemakers

A pacemaker is an implanted electrical device used to not only detect but also adjust an irregular rhythm of the patient's heart. A pacemaker always monitors a patient's heart rate but only makes corrections when needed. Newer pacemakers can detect motion and breathing rates and are Bluetooth-compatible.

Induction Stoves

Induction cookware operates by thermal induction instead of thermal conduction. Thermal induction creates an electromagnetic field (EMF) that sends the current that passes through a magnetic object, which results in it being heated up.

Electromagnetic Fields' Effect on Pacemakers

As a pacemaker's function is based on electricity, it can be influenced by electromagnetic fields or EMFs. The nature of an EMF is why you can place your hand directly on an induction stove set to high and not be burned. Since your hand is not magnetic, nothing happens.

Minimizing Risk with Induction Stoves

The primary way to safely use any induction cookware with a pacemaker is by maintaining distance. Most doctors recommend 2 ft (60 cm), which is about arm's length.

The strength of the electromagnetic field increases with proximity to the induction stove. As most pacemakers are implanted on the left side of the body, cooking with the right hand is also recommended.

Safe Alternatives to Induction Cooking

The two other main options for stovetops besides induction are gas and electricity. Both of them are entirely safe for patients with pacemakers because neither has any electronegativity.

How To Know if Your Pacemaker Will Be Affected by Induction Stove

If your pacemaker is Bluetooth compatible, you will likely be able to tell via the pacemaker's app if there are any adverse effects. Pacemaker manufacturers are required by law to make documents about the effect of electromagnetics on their products – referred to as an "electromagnetic compatibility" document.

If the elderly love to cook, you can easily make a stove safe for them. How to Make a Stove Safe for the Elderly (8 Ways)

Final Thoughts

Suppose you or a loved one has a pacemaker and wish to use an induction stove. In that case, the first course of action should be to obtain the electromagnetic compatibility document for your specific pacemaker. After consulting the document or your doctor, maintaining a distance of two feet (0.61 m) and not hovering right over the stovetop will help.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.