Is it safe to use an adjustable recliner with a pacemaker (permanent artificial cardiac pacemaker) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in place?

Safety of Using an Adjustable Recliner with a Pacemaker or Defibrillator

Using an adjustable recliner with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is generally safe, as standard household furniture does not pose significant electromagnetic interference risks to these cardiac devices.

Understanding Device Interference Concerns

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and ICDs can potentially be affected by electromagnetic interference, but the risk from standard household furniture like adjustable recliners is minimal. Guidelines from major cardiac societies provide context for understanding potential interference sources:

• The American Heart Association and Heart Rhythm Society guidelines do not specifically restrict the use of standard household furniture including adjustable recliners 1.
• Electromagnetic interference concerns primarily relate to strong magnetic fields or electrical currents that could potentially interfere with device sensing or function 1.

Risk Assessment for Household Items

When evaluating the safety of using an adjustable recliner:

• Standard motorized furniture uses small electric motors that do not generate electromagnetic fields strong enough to interfere with properly functioning cardiac devices 1.
• The primary concerns for electromagnetic interference come from:
  • Strong electromagnetic fields (such as MRI machines)
  • Devices that must be placed directly over or very close to the implant site
  • Industrial equipment with powerful motors or generators

Safe Household Activities and Precautions

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society guidelines indicate that:

• Most everyday household activities and appliances are safe for patients with pacemakers and ICDs 1.
• The main precaution is to avoid placing strong magnets directly over the device 2.
• Patients should maintain at least 8 cm distance between potential sources of strong electromagnetic fields and their implanted device 1.

Special Considerations

For patients with recently implanted devices:

• Limited arm movement on the implant side is recommended during the initial healing period (typically 4-6 weeks) 3.
• Using a recliner during this period may actually be beneficial for comfort, provided patients avoid using the arm on the implant side to operate manual recliners.

For patients with ICDs specifically:

• Activities with risk of physical trauma to the chest area should be avoided 1.
• Standard recliner use does not fall into this category of restricted activities.

Practical Recommendations

1. Electric adjustable recliners are generally safe to use with pacemakers and ICDs.
2. For manual recliners, patients should be mindful of using the arm on the implant side during the initial healing period.
3. If the recliner has a massage function or heating elements that would be positioned directly over the implanted device, maintain at least 8 cm distance between these elements and the device 1.
4. If experiencing any unusual symptoms while using the recliner (dizziness, palpitations, device alarms), stop using it and consult your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Patients with pacemakers and ICDs can safely use adjustable recliners as part of their normal daily activities. The electromagnetic fields generated by standard motorized recliners are not strong enough to cause clinically significant interference with properly functioning cardiac devices.