Amusement Park Rides Appear Safe for People With Cardiac Devices

Amusement parks issue signs to with people with cardiac conditions before getting on rides. Researchers of a study presented at AHA 2024 sought to assess the safety of rides for patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED).

In this study, researchers analyzed the magnetic field strength of rides using gaussmeters (GQ Electronics-LLC) on 15 amusement park rides: 11 with a health advisory message and 4 without. The investigators placed the gaussmeters at shoulder level and abdomen level, simulating typical pediatric CIED sites. They trialed each ride at least four times, while recording both the median and maximum magnetic field strength over the course of the ride (epoch 1 second).

According to the results, the magnetic field strengths recorded in all trials were clinically insignificant, suggesting a low risk of electromagnetic interference  (EMI) with CIED function during amusement park rides. Rides with posted health advisory messages did exhibit higher maximum magnetic field strengths, however the researchers noted that this factor alone was not indicative of EMI risk for patients with CIEDs.

Reference

Johnson A, Kassab M, Kallas D, Franciosi S, Bone J, Sanatani S. Amusement Park Rides and Cardiac Devices: Heart Dropper or Heart Stopper? Abstract #Sa2128. Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024; November 16-18, Chicago, Illinois.