If you or a loved one has an implanted heart defibrillator or other medical device controlled by magnets, you need to know that some of today’s tech gadgets may interfere with their operation.

For example, a recent study found that strong magnets inside the iPad 2 and its Smart Cover may cause electromagnetic interference that could alter the settings or even deactivate an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) if the iPad is placed near the chest.

The ICDs, like other implanted medical devices, contain magnets to allow physicians to adjust their settings.

The iPad did not interfere with these devices when it was held at normal reading distance from the chest. No effects were noted with patients who had implanted pacemakers or used a loop recorder.

Other devices such as cell phones and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines have also been known to disrupt cardiac rhythm devices.

This study builds on previous research that found that iPads can also interfere with magnetically programmed shunts in the brain when an iPad is placed within two inches of the device. They reported a case in which an iPad interfered with the function of a shunt implanted in a 4-month old girl. Her mother had been holding an iPad while she carried the infant.

Growing Concerns

Experts say there are two big concerns for consumers and healthcare providers. One is that it can be difficult to detect when magnetic interference causes an implanted device to malfunction. There is no light that goes off to tell you something is wrong.

Then when you consider that our aging population will likely increase the number of implanted devices; and the explosive growth of tablets and other tech gadgets will probably continue—the risk of magnetic interference with medical devices may be a growing problem.

Increased Monitoring

The bottom line is that doctors will now be having more conversations with their patients about the risk of technological devices affecting implanted devices and monitoring patients more closely.

Sources:

Philadelphia Inquirer

Medical News Today

If you’re like most people, your personal health is very complex. In addition to your personal and family health history, you probably have many healthcare providers--doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, medical labs and other professionals involved in your care.

And, since our fragmented healthcare system does not provide for a centralized database to store health information and coordinate care, that responsibility falls on you. That’s why maintaining a Personal Health Record (PHR) is so important. As the repository of your health history, it includes anything that helps you and your health care providers manage your health — starting with the basics:

• The name and phone number of your primary care doctor as well as any specialist(s) you see
• Allergies, including drug allergies
• Your medications, including dosages
• Chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Major surgeries, with dates
• Results of screening tests
• Cholesterol level and blood pressure
• Health goals, such as stopping smoking or losing weight
• Living will or advance directives

You can assemble this information in paper form using a simple three-ring binder, or better yet, consider an electronic PHR that can offer additional features and benefits.

Electronic PHRs

Electronic personal health record systems make your personal health record accessible to you anytime via a web-enabled device, such as your computer, phone or tablet. This can be a lifesaver, literally. In an emergency you can quickly give emergency personnel vital information, such as a condition you're being treated for, medications you take, drug allergies, and how to contact your family doctor.

But electronic PHRs can do much more:

• Track and assess your health. Record and track your progress toward your health goals, such as lowering your cholesterol level.
• Make the most of doctor visits. Be ready with questions for your doctor and information you want to share, such as blood pressure readings since your last visit.
• Manage your health between visits. Upload and analyze data from home-monitoring devices such as a blood pressure cuff. And remind yourself of your doctor's instructions from your last appointment.
• Get organized. Track appointments, vaccinations, and preventive or screening services, such as mammograms.

One example of a web-based PHR is Mayo Clinic Health Manager, which is powered by Microsoft HealthVault. There are many others available and you’ll want to evaluate all the options and find one that meets your needs. You may want to consider these questions:

• Is the system easy for me to use?
• Can I enter all the information I want to track?
• How will my information be kept private?
• Will information be added to my record from outside sources, such as insurance or doctors' offices? How and what will be added?
• Can I correct or delete information in my record?
• Can I share information with my doctor and other caregivers?
• Can I upload data from home-monitoring devices, such as a peak flow meter or blood pressure cuff?
• What will it cost? Are there any special fees?
• Will it help me manage my health by providing information and advice?
• Can I create an account for my whole family and manage information for my family members?

PHR Security

A common concern surrounding web-based personal health records is privacy and security. Reputable systems follow industry best practices, such as using high-level encryption, making their privacy policies public and submitting to monitoring by independent organizations. Also, the federal government is working to strengthen rules governing the security of health information held by personal health record systems.

Building Your Records

It will take some time to collect and enter all your health information into your PHR. Plus, you have to keep your record current by updating it each time you see a doctor, fill a prescription, have a test or go to the hospital. But the peace-of-mind in knowing that your health care team has critical access to your health information is worth the time and effort.

For a list of PHR systems and templates (paper, software and web-based) visit MyPHR.com.

Sources:

Kevin MD

Mayo Clinic