• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar

Lee's Razors

Stay Sharper & Shave Smarter

  • Wet Shaving
    • Cartridge Razor
    • Disposable Razor
    • Straight Razor
    • Safety Razor
    • Razor Blades
    • Shaving Brush
    • Shaving Soap/Cream
  • Electric Shaving
  • Shave Club
  • Shaving Tips
  • Women’s Razor
  • Beard Grooming
You are here: Home / Electric Shaving / Can You Use An Electric Razor With A Pacemaker?

Can You Use An Electric Razor With A Pacemaker?

December 15, 2021 by Lee Cantor Leave a Comment

A pacemaker is a small device that is usually implanted in the chest of a patient to control their heartbeat. This is done through a medical procedure.

The device ensures that the heart doesn’t beat too slowly. People fitted with pacemakers are advised to avoid strong electromagnetic devices. In that case, can you use an electric razor? Let’s find out. 

Why Does A Person With The Pacemaker Need To Stay Away From Strong Electromagnetic Devices ? 

It’s because of a phenomenon known as ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI).

ElectroMagnetic Interference, or EMI, happens when a product uses electricity or sends wireless signals containing invisible electromagnetic fields around them.This phenomenon from electricity devices will affect the function of pacemakers inside them. 

Although the pacemaker has features that protect it from wireless or electricity signals, some tools may have strong electromagnetic interference affecting temporarily how the pacemaker works.   

So, your electric razor uses electricity, it also emits EMI. Is an electric razor’s EMI strong enough to interfere with a pacemaker’s function? 

Studies On The Effects Of Electric Razor On Pacemakers

In one study that was published in the American Heart Association’s journal, it was noted that devices such as electric razors can interfere with a pacemaker when kept under close proximity.

Therefore, as per the study, an electric shaver can interfere with the pacemaker’s ability to regulate the heart.

The study conducted by Aachen University Hospital researchers in Germany found that the magnetic fields produced by devices such as electric razors, lawnmowers and circular saw were strong enough to affect the performance of the pacemaker when put in close proximity.

According to the lead Cardiologist in the study, Dr Andreas Napp, the field starts to become weaker from 12 inches. This means that the electric razor will be safe when used well. The most important thing is to keep it at a distance from the pacemaker.

According to the cardiologist, electromagnetic interference with pacemakers can cause slow heart rate, also referred to as bradycardia. The interference risk usually depends on a wide range of factors such as the implant setting or the field source’s strength.

According to Dr Napp, there are instances when patients passed out as a result of their pacemaker stopping to work. While he added that he had never had a patient die from electromagnetic interference, there was a big risk associated.

The study was conducted on 119 patients who were exposed to increased magnetic fields until there was a failure in the sensing mechanism of the pacemaker. The study noted that around 56% of the patients were affected by an electric razor when it was put about an inch away. However, the electric razor was safe to use when it was at least 8 inches away.

In another study, a pacemaker was used to control ventricular irritability as a result of myocardial infarction. When shaving using an electric razor, there was a total inhibition of the pacemaker.

The same condition was replicated when the shaver was taken 6 inches near the pulse generator even when set at the lowest setting. Therefore, if you are caring for a patient with a pacemaker, you need to be aware of the electromagnetic field that can result in the nonfunctioning of the pacemaker even when set in a safe setting.

Should I Use An Electric Razor If I Have A Pacemaker?

In general, it’s ok to use an electric razor if you have a pacemaker.

Following mentioned research, an electric razor will be safe to use for people with pacemakers when it is placed at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from the device. 

When operating the electric razor, you should not hold it directly over the pacemaker. If you experience dizziness when using, you should turn off the electric shavers or move them away. 

It’s also important to ensure that the electric shaver is in good working condition, is used as intended and the recommended distance is maintained. 

When these guidelines are followed, there is no known risk.

On the other hand, you might think about using battery electric shavers, which certainly emit less EMI than the mains ones. There is no harm for your pacemaker and it will be safer for your conditions.

Otherwise, it is highly recommended to ask your doctor before using an electric razor for more healthy related information.

What To Do In Case Of An Emi Interference With A Pacemaker?

One of the good things about razor interference is that it happens temporarily. That means it doesn’t reprogram the pacemaker.

Therefore, in the unlikely event that you feel the effect, you can step away from the razor. Instead, choose a rechargeable cordless one. If you don’t feel anything, then you should be fine. 

For more safe-electric-using information, you should check on the guide of using your pacemaker on the manufacturer’s website.

Conclusion

Can you use an electric razor if you have a pacemaker? The answer is Yes.

However, you will need to ensure that your electric razor is kept in good working condition and also kept at a certain distance to your pacemaker. Make sure to check on your pacemaker manufacturer’s recommendations for more safe information when using electric devices.

We hope that by reading this article, you have your own answer and enjoy using an electric razor with no harm.

Page Contents

  • Why Does A Person With The Pacemaker Need To Stay Away From Strong Electromagnetic Devices ? 
  • Studies On The Effects Of Electric Razor On Pacemakers
  • Should I Use An Electric Razor If I Have A Pacemaker?
  • What To Do In Case Of An Emi Interference With A Pacemaker?
  • Conclusion

Filed Under: Electric Shaving, Shaving Tips

Previous Post: « Philips Oneblade vs Oneblade Pro  [For Contemplating Razor Users]
Next Post: The 10 Best Butterfly Safety Razors For Your Clean And Perfect Shave in 2023 »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

The 10 Best Butt Shavers in 2023 – A Detailed Review

best butterfly safety razor

The 10 Best Butterfly Safety Razors For Your Clean And Perfect Shave in 2023

Shaving cream is recommended while shaving

Does Shaving Cream Expire? Is It Safe To Use Expired Shaving Cream?

A Safety Razor With  Regular Shaving Cream

Can You Use A Safety Razor With Regular Shaving Cream?

Gillette Skinguard comes with a skin guard, making it a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. 

Gillette Mach 3 vs. Skinguard: Which One You Should Choose?

How to extend the life of a razor?

How To Keep Razor From Rusting – A Detailed Guide

Gruum razor review

Gruum Razors Review

The Same Razor For Your Face And Pubic Area

Can You Use The Same Razor For Your Face And Pubic Area? (Potential Risks and Safety Tips)

Why alcohol after haircut?

Why Alcohol After Haircut? Explanation From Experts

straight-razor-Sharp

Can a Straight Razor Be Too Sharp? How to Tell If It Is Sharp Enough?

Secondary Sidebar

Provide the best shaving product reviews and shaving advices to the wetshaving community and friends.

Disclaimer

Leesrazors.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • About me
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Lee's Razors

x
x