You may be aware of recent news stories that “smart,” internet-connected devices in your home could be hacked by malicious outsiders. Or perhaps you read about the recent ransom attack of IT systems around the world, including the British health care system. Scary stuff, yet it all seems removed from our day-to-day lives. But for those of us who have implanted personal devices, specifically pacemakers, this can be a deadly serious concern. A new report in Quartz spells out the details of how implanted pacemakers can be vulnerable to hacking through external monitoring devices or programming electronics. Via the internet, these pacemakers communicate with, and send data to, doctors as a means of adjusting and controlling the implants. What would happen if hackers gained access to this data and control? As this article reveals, the implications are frightening. If you need more motivation to take care of your health and heart, and avoid the need for a pacemaker, this may be it. If you already have a pacemaker, this is surely something to discuss with your physician. To read the details of this potential concern, Read Here.