Keeping a smartphone in a left shirt pocket, close to the heart, does not appear to pose a heart-rhythm risk for most healthy people, according to cardiologist Dr Samir Kubba, director and unit head of cardiology at Dharmshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi. Smartphones use radiofrequency signals to communicate with mobile networks and wireless devices, but these signals are non-ionising and do not have enough energy to directly damage DNA in the way ionising radiation such as X-rays can. Dr Kubba said current scientific evidence has not established that everyday exposure to smartphone radiofrequency signals causes heart rhythm disorders in the general population.

The concern about phones affecting the heartbeat can also arise because people may become more aware of sensations when a vibrating device is pressed against the body. Dr Kubba explained that a phone vibrating against the chest can make a person more conscious of sensations in that area, particularly if they are already anxious or closely monitoring their heartbeat. Increased awareness of a heartbeat, therefore, does not necessarily indicate that the heart rhythm has changed or that an abnormality is occurring.

Addressing whether keeping a phone in the left pocket can directly alter heart rhythm, Dr Kubba said there is no convincing evidence that ordinary smartphone use or keeping a phone in the left pocket causes abnormal heart rhythms in healthy individuals. This means most people do not need to change where they carry their phones simply because the device is positioned close to the heart. However, the cardiologist identified a specific group that should take additional precautions because of the potential interaction between smartphones and implanted cardiac devices.

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People who have pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) need to be mindful of how close they keep certain phones and electronic devices. Dr Kubba noted that some phones contain magnets that can temporarily interfere with certain implanted cardiac devices when held very close. Such interference can potentially activate a special mode in the device or temporarily affect its function, making phone placement an important consideration for people who rely on these devices to regulate heart rhythm or deliver treatment for dangerous rhythms.

Dr Kubba advised people with implanted cardiac devices to follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer regarding phone placement and safe distances. For the wider population, there is currently no established reason to avoid keeping a phone in a pocket because of fears that it will disrupt the heartbeat. However, people experiencing palpitations or sensations of skipped beats should not automatically assume that their phone is responsible. Several other factors, including caffeine, stress, dehydration, poor sleep and underlying heart rhythm conditions, can contribute to such symptoms.

While occasional awareness of the heartbeat does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness should be assessed urgently. The cardiologist's comments indicate that phone placement is generally not a concern for healthy individuals, while those with implanted cardiac devices should follow specific safety guidance. The information is intended for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified medical professional.

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