If you have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator (ICD), it's safest not to wear a magnetic bracelet. Strong magnets can temporarily change how these devices work, and heart and device experts advise keeping magnets at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from them. A non-magnetic medical ID gives you the same protection without the worry.
Here is what magnets do, why a bracelet can come closer to your device than you might think, and how to choose a safe medical ID.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your cardiologist or device clinic knows your device best, so ask them about anything you're unsure of.
What can a magnet do to a pacemaker or ICD?
Pacemakers and ICDs have a built-in "magnet mode." Doctors use it on purpose, with a magnet, during some procedures. A strong magnet that comes close by accident can switch it on too.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a strong magnet can make some implanted devices switch to magnet mode and suspend normal operation until the magnet is moved away. When that happens:
- An ICD may not respond to a dangerously fast heart rhythm, because shocks can be held back while the magnet is close.
- A pacemaker may pace at a fixed rate instead of responding to your heart's own rhythm.
Medtronic, a major device maker, notes that these effects are temporary and don't harm the device itself. The concern is what happens while the magnet is close, which is why the advice is to keep magnets away.
The 6-inch rule
The FDA, the American Heart Association and device makers all point to the same distance: keep magnets at least 6 inches (15 cm) from your implanted device. The American Heart Association specifically says to avoid magnet therapy that calls for wearing magnetic bracelets or necklaces near your implant site.
Isn't a bracelet on my wrist far enough away?
Most of the time your wrist is well over 6 inches from your chest. But your hands come close to your chest more often than you'd think:
- Sleeping with an arm across your chest
- Folding your arms, or resting a hand on your chest
- Holding a phone, a book or a child against you
- Buckling a seat belt or pulling on a jacket
Since a medical ID is meant to be worn all day and night, the simplest choice is a bracelet without magnets. Then you never have to think about it.
What about magnetic clasps on necklaces?
Medtronic advises keeping jewelry with magnetic closures at least 6 inches from the device. A necklace sits right on your chest, often close to where a pacemaker or ICD is placed, so choose a necklace with a regular clasp instead.
Other medical devices
Pacemakers and ICDs aren't the only devices with magnet warnings. The FDA notes that other implanted devices can have a magnet mode too. If you use any implanted or wearable medical device, check its patient guide or ask your care team before wearing magnetic jewelry.
Which USMedID bracelets have magnets?
Our bracelets with magnets say so in the product description. They are:
- Magnetic Copper Medical ID Bracelet
- Black Magnetic Copper Medical ID Bracelet
- Textured-Link Copper and Black Copper Medical ID Bracelets
- Magnetic Silicone Medical ID Bracelet
- Black Link Medical ID Bracelet
If you have a pacemaker or ICD, please choose a different style.
Good choices if you have a heart device
Stainless steel, leather and silicone bracelets without magnets are all good options, as are necklaces with a regular clasp. We've picked out non-magnetic styles on our pacemaker and heart condition medical IDs page.
What to engrave
Put the device first, so responders and hospital staff see it right away. For example:
MARY JONES
PACEMAKER
ON BLOOD THINNER
ICE: 555-123-4567
Use ICD instead of PACEMAKER if that's your device, and add a blood thinner or key heart medicine if you take one. Keep your device ID card with you too. Every USMedID order includes a free medical information card with room for the details that won't fit on the bracelet. For more examples, see what to engrave on a medical ID.
Quick answers
Will a magnet damage my pacemaker?
According to Medtronic, the effects of a magnet are temporary and don't harm the device. The device goes back to normal once the magnet is moved away, but you still want to avoid it happening by accident.
Can I wear a copper bracelet without magnets?
Copper itself isn't magnetic. The concern is the magnets built into many copper bracelets, including ours. A copper piece with no magnets doesn't carry the same risk, but check the product details carefully, and ask your doctor if you're not sure.
What about my phone or smartwatch?
The FDA says some newer phones and smartwatches contain strong magnets too, and recommends keeping them at least 6 inches from your device. For example, don't carry your phone in a chest pocket over your device.
Every USMedID piece includes free custom engraving, a free medical information card and free US shipping, and orders are engraved and shipped within 1 business day.
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