Heart rate changes due to 5.6-GHz radiofrequency radiation: relation to average power density

Effects of intermittent exposure to 5.6-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate were examined in anesthetized rats. During exposure to 60 mW/cm2 which resulted in a 1 degree C change in colonic temperature, heart rate increased; the values returned to control levels after exposure was discontinued. No changes in mean arterial blood pressure or in respiratory rate were observed. Exposure to 30 mW/cm2 caused no significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate. The data indicate that heart rate changes during exposure to 5.6-GHz RFR are related to the average power density applied, and thus to the rate of change in temperature, and not simply to the absolute change in temperature.