Music headphones can interfere with heart devices

Associated Press - November 9, 2008 11:03 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A new study suggests that people with pacemakers or other heart devices should be careful with headphones from portable music players.

The study presented at an American Heart Association conference finds that some headphones can interfere with heart devices if held very close to them.

Doctors who tested them say they might even prevent a defibrillator from delivering a lifesaving shock.

The study's leader says some headphones contain very powerful magnets which could interfere, but Dr. William Maisel of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston also says people shouldn't overreact.

He says it's smart to keep small electronics at least a few inches from implanted medical devices, and not let someone wearing headphones lean against your chest if you have one.