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Geomagnetic disturbance associated with decrease in heart rate variability in a subarctic area
K Otsuka1, G Cornélissen, A Weydahl
1Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Daini Hospital, Nishiogu, Japan. frtotk99@ba2.so-net.ne.jp
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Geomagnetic disturbances significantly increase heart rate (HR) and decrease heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy students. This suggests environmental factors impact cardiovascular health, warranting further investigation into underlying physiological mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Human Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Geomagnetic field variations are natural environmental variables impacting biological processes.
- Understanding the influence of geomagnetic disturbances on human health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of geomagnetic disturbances on heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy students.
- To analyze HRV changes under high geomagnetic disturbance versus quiet conditions.
Main Methods:
- Collected 7-day Holter ECG records from eight healthy subjects in Alta, Norway (70°N).
- Compared frequency- and time-domain HRV measures during high geomagnetic disturbance and quiet periods.
Main Results:
- Observed a 5.9% increase in average HR (P=0.020) and a 25.2% decrease in HRV (P=0.002) on high disturbance days.
- Found decreased spectral power primarily at frequencies below 0.04 Hz, with no significant changes around 3.6 seconds.
Conclusions:
- Geomagnetic disturbances appear to influence cardiovascular regulation beyond the parasympathetic system.
- The observed HRV changes suggest a physiological mechanism not centered around the 3.6-second spectral region.