Does the prius interfere with a pacemaker?

If she has ever ridden any subway or electric commuter train (such as the subways in cities like LA, NYC, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, San Fran, etc.) and never had a problem with the pacemaker, I don't see how the Prius would be a problem. All those electric subway cars use 600-volt electrical systems to drive their traction motors.

Come to think of it, I've never heard of those public transportation systems ever giving anybody with a pacemaker problems, and millions of people ride them daily.

 

I doubt the Prius puts out much more EMF than most other cars.

 

have your friend read this thread
and maybe do a web search on the subject
and she should probably consult with her physician before making a decision

 

Actually, the Prius brochure has a fine print warning about the SKS system and pacemakers, saying that people with pacemakers should contact their doctor about possible interference. My Prius is on order, but before ordering I contacted the manufacturer of my mother's pacemaker and they said she should be fine as long as her pacemaker stays at least 6 inches from the transmitter.

 

I looked up what data I could find on EMF fields in the Prius. My post 23 in this thread summarizes the results:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...angers-what-you-should-know-about-emfs-3.html

Based on two different sets of measures that I found, the Prius is no different from any other car in terms of the level of EMF inside the car.

Many here have reported that driving a Prius reduces the stress of driving. So it might actually be a heart-healthy ride.

 

My SO actually has an equivalent device implanted in her hip (think back pocket area) for pain management and has never complained while riding in the Prius. Just for reference, she did complain of feeling light-headed when we visited the Hoover dam years ago and also says that metal detectors give her a strange sensation. From what I gather, the Prius must be fairly low level as far as EMF field-strength. Besides, the strongest fields would be in the engine compartment area, where the MGs are located, not in the passenger compartment.

 

Thiere is a higher probability of your cell phone creating an EMF problem with a pacemaker than the electronics in a Prius.

Keith

 

It is very unlikely that you will have issues of interference with a pacemaker. Pacemakers are sheilded. Cell phone interference is also extremely unlikely.

There is a slight possibility that with the ice running and you leaning over the motor that you could possibly interrupt any pacing d/t emi. The vast majority of people will not be doing this. Again it's really only an issue if you are pacemaker dependant. Once you move away from the emi source (1 to 2 feet) the pacemaker will resume its normal function.

The Hoover dam issue is a little different. Large magnets are probably best avoided (such a hydroelectric dam tours and MRI) Magnets cause pacemaker function to alter slightly while in contact. Once removed normal function returns.

If you have a pacemaker you can contact the manufactuer and they will be happy to provide you with this type of information.

 

Well, there is no mention of it at this site

US FDA/CDRH: Electromagnetic Compatibility

with pacemakers and impantable defib's, one has to use caution around any suspected source of interference. That means airport body scanners, MRI's at hospitals, electrical substations, etc.

It's also important for a person with an implantable medical device - pacemaker, TENS, etc - to carry the appropriate Medic-ALert or other warning