New Aspects of Understanding Individual Magnetosensitivity to Geomagnetic Storms

The influence of geomagnetic storms (GMSs) on humans has long been questioned. The aim of this study was to assess GMS influence on the functional cardiovascular parameters and human well-being depending on the presence of arterial hypertension, drug therapy, and smoking status.

The study participants (n = 31) were analyzed for systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular stiffness index (VSI), Baevsky stress index (BI) and other indicеs during quiet day and GMS day (K-index >5). Well-being was assessed using a validated "САН" questionnaire (SAN).

During GMS, significant SBP decrease was noted among "not taking medications" (108.0 [100.0; 110.0] vs. 103.5 [98.0; 110.0], p = 0.03); SBP increase was noted among "smokers" (120.0 [120.0; 130.0] vs. 130.0 [122.0; 145.0], p = 0.06). VSI decrease was noted during GMS, but significant differences in VSI were obtained among persons without hypertension (2.5 [-11.2; 14.6] vs. -5.3 [-17.6; 6.2], p = 0.04) and "non-smokers" (6.05 [-8.85; 13.5] vs. 0.3 [-10.2; 6.9], p = 0.01). BI increase during GMS was obtained among hypertensive patients and "smokers." The total SAN questionnaire score decreased during GMS, especially among persons without hypertension (173.0 [159.0; 178.0] vs. 158.0 [125.0; 168.0], p = 0.03) and "not taking medications" (175.5 [173.0; 189.0] vs. 157.5 [156.0; 162.0], p = 0.04). β-Blockers and combined drug therapy had a protective effect on the prevention of SAN score decrease (RR 0.31 [0.12; 0.84] and RR 0.54 [0.33; 0.88]).

This study confirmed GMS influence on functional cardiovascular parameters and human well-being depending on the presence of arterial hypertension, drug therapy, and smoking status. A protective effect of some drugs was noted on the manifestation of "magnetosensitivity" symptoms.