Question
I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CHEST PAINS (NOT HEART RELATED!!  PULLED MUSCLE) AND HE HAS BEEN USING HIS TENS UNIT ACROSS THE CHEST WALL.  I HAD READ ONLINE THAT THIS WAS UNSAFE AS IT COULD STOP THE HEART, AND ALSO FROM MANY OTHERS, THAT THEY DO IT WITH NO ILL EFFECTS AND ARE INSTRUCATED TO DO SO.  COULD I HAVE YOUR OPINION ON THIS?  IS IT SAFE, AND IF SO, IS THERE A PROPER AND IMPROPER WAY HE SHOULD BE DOING THIS?  THANK YOU!!

Answer
Dear Krystie,

TENS unit transmit an microcurrent electrical charge in order to produce a contraction of the muscles the pads attached to.  It would affect the heart if the person has a pace maker or the placement of the pads are at the front and back of the body pointing into the heart.  If the pads are place soley on the front or solely on the back, then it is safe.