With voltage values over threshold levels, bioimpedance-enabled smart scales, watches, and rings could produce interference.
According to a recent study, implanted cardiac devices like pacemakers may be impacted by smart wearable gadgets meant to monitor fitness and wellness. Researchers discovered that the technology could interfere with people who have cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Smart scale and smart ring simulations produced less interference than smartwatches.
The study was presented in the journal Heart Rhythm. According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Benjamin Sanchez Terrones of the University of Utah, bioimpedance sensing produced electrical interference that was above standards permitted by the Food and Drug Administration and that interfered with the normal operation of CIEDs.
The need to comprehend how medical bioimpedance technology affects the body has grown as it has become more widely accessible after being initially restricted to hospitals and medical professionals.
How wearable tech affect heart implants
According to scientists, bioimpedance technology is gaining popularity because to consumers’ growing desire to continuously monitor their own health and the advantages of doing so outside of a hospital setting.
With voltage values over threshold levels, scientists warned that bioimpedance-enabled smart scales, watches, and rings could produce interference. Researchers discovered that the degree of interference differed between male and female models as well as with the frequency and amplitude of the bioimpedance signal.
Bioimpedance devices use an electrode to apply an alternating, low-amplitude, painless electrical current, and a different pair of electrodes to measure the voltage the body produces as a result.
The ability of tissues and fluids to conduct alternating electrical currents may change as a result of disease alterations to their ionic and cellular integrity, which will ultimately affect the properties of the voltage signal recorded.
When compared to smartwatches, the level of interference produced by smart scale and smart ring simulations was lower. At various signal amplitudes and frequencies, generators showed oversensing and pacing inhibition susceptibility across device manufacturers.
The University of Utah research team used technical requirements to assess the electrical safety of detecting bioimpedance. The study’s goal was to quantify the interference in CIEDs during bioimpedance.
Parvathy Sukumaran 
