Abstract

Abstract Overview

Background: Intense solar and geomagnetic activities have long been associated with increased cardiovascular events. This study explores heart rate variability (HRV) as a possible biological mechanism linking these environmental factors to increased cardiovascular risk.

Methods

• The study assessed the impact of geomagnetic activity and disturbances on HRV among 809 elderly men in the Greater Boston Area.
• Data on global planetary K-Index (Kp) were used to quantify geomagnetic activity.
• Mixed-effects regression models analyzed the HRV outcomes in relation to varying levels of geomagnetic disturbances.

Key Findings

Significant findings include:

• A marked decrease in HRV associated with geomagnetic activity measured up to 24 hours prior to HRV assessment.
• Patients with coronary heart diseases displayed greater vulnerability, with more pronounced HRV decreases.
• Even after adjusting for air pollutants, the link between geomagnetic disturbances and reduced HRV remained significant.

Conclusions

This landmark study illustrates the important clinical implications of reduced HRV linked to geomagnetic disturbances, emphasizing cardiac health risks, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly with preexisting conditions.

These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies against geomagnetic disturbances to mitigate cardiovascular risks.