Electrical or magnetic item interference (smart watch)

@phq
I don't have a smart watch but have had a ICD/Pacemaker since 2006 (on my 3rd device). I am interested in your post as have been considering getting a smart watch.

I have not read or had my EP or pace clinic say anything about smart watches. If you wear on your right hand would that not keep it away. I think if you read the restrictions are not to have it there for any specific amount of time.

I once got a shock on my ICD and could not reason why. I had placed my smart key (by mistake) in a pocket right over my ICD/Pacemaker. Now I checked with my Pace Clinic (Mayo) and they said should not have caused an issue. Then checked with my manufacturer (Boston Scientific) and they said yes could have caused an issue.

Did you contact Medtronic directly and asked about this interference with your model of ICD? I think but really don't rely on my thinking the warning may be what I did and not have the smart watch laying or on top of your ICD for any amount of time. This would not say if something passing by which you probably have through out day as we pass so many electrical devices.

I wear an Apple Watch on my left wrist and both doctors says it’s okay. Just don’t put the phone in a pocket near your pacemaker. I have worn my Apple Watch for two years. But do double check with your doctor

I asked my doctor specifically and he told me there was no problem wearing my Apple Watch

My pacemaker was in plan at the end of January and I’m still so tired all the time is that typical I thought I would feel better. In fact my PC told me I’d probably feel 10 years younger when in fact, I think I feel 10 years older.

Hello phq

While I do not have an Apple watch, I do have a Withings smart watch which records information about heart rate, exercise, etc. I wear my watch on my left wrist. I also have a biventricular pacemaker with a defibrillator (St. Jude, Abbott) which I received in 2022.
I have never had any problems with the watch vis a vis the pacemaker. I do not, however, wear it at night but not because it gets too close to my pacemaker. It is just kind of uncomfortable. I never give it a second thought because I have had absolutely no issues with it.
I drive an EV, walk through airport security, retail security, use an induction range - although I refrain from laying on the range top because that is tempting fate. 😉 I take electro acupuncture treatments (bum knees), have regular mammograms (probably not your issue), and again, with no issues whatsoever.
But I agree with jc76, for your added peace of mind, do check your manufacturer's website. As I recall, Medtronic has a very informative site.
Modern pacemakers are built for modern living, including most if not all, of the electromagnetic fields we encounter in day-to-day living. I have sort of forgotten I have mine because, outside of the scar, I don't really know it is there.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. And welcome to the club. There are a lot of us out here.

@cottagecountry
Agree. Good information.

I have a Boston Scientific ICD/Pacemaker. I am on my 3rd device and first got one in 2006. Massive improvments in them including interference from electromagnetic devices.

@kb49
We don't know your prior medical history or why you got the implant.

If you got it in Janaury that is a short time ago. Have you had office visits where they go over yor results and asked you how you are feeling? The office visits they can adjust your settings to improve this or that with your pacemaker.

If you are feeling worse please see your medical providers. Your device programming may need to be changed and or check to make sure working as programmed.

We don't know your medical history but were you tired all the time before you had pacemaker put in? I assume what you meant by PC is pace clinic. Do you have a electrophysiologist (EP). Asked for an appointment with EP who can go over your symptoms and see if related to your device and or if changing how it is programmed will help.

Thank you for this information. Waiting to hear back from Medtronic and also will be calling my EP department.

Thank you for all this very helpful info.
Im grateful to have found this wonderful helpful club to be a part of. You all have relieved my anxiety.

i’ve done the same and have a CRT-d. Three wires in my chest.