IN MY VIEW... A risky clash for heart patients

SOME time ago, a reader asked whether an induction hob, due to be installed in her kitchen, would interfere with her pacemaker on the basis that hobs induce heating by magnetism.

Following research, I was able to reassure her that the distance her chest would be from the hob when standing at the cooker meant there was no danger.

However, a recently published study in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology does raise concerns about another technology.

Previous studies have shown that the Apple iPhone 12 contains a magnet so strong that, if carried close to the front of the chest, it may interfere with the settings on a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator. But this new research has found that, in theory, the same applies to Apple AirPods Pro and the charging case, and also to the Microsoft Surface Pen.

So avoid carrying these devices in a breast pocket — held well away from the front of the chest they should be no problem.