Solar Activity Is Associated With Diastolic and Systolic Blood Pressure in Elderly Adults

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the impact of solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances on the autonomic nervous system and their association with blood pressure (BP) levels in elderly men. This paper hypothesizes that these natural phenomena can significantly impact BP.

Methods

• A cohort of 675 elderly men from Boston, assessed under the Normative Aging Study, was examined.
• Data from 1949 blood pressure measurements between 2000 and 2017 were analyzed.
• Mixed-effects regression models were employed, adjusting for various environmental and personal covariates, to evaluate the relationships.

Findings

The study found significant positive associations between BP and solar and geomagnetic variables such as interplanetary magnetic field intensity, sunspot number, and the Kp index, particularly when averaged over 16 to 28 days preceding BP measurement. These associations persisted even after adjusting for factors like air pollutants.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the significant yet often overlooked role of solar and geomagnetic activity in influencing blood pressure among elderly men. These natural phenomena could be considered in managing and forecasting hypertension, alongside known factors such as air quality and lifestyle.

Clinical Implications

• Insights from this study can aid in better understanding the environmental contributions to blood pressure variations and hypertension.
• Healthcare providers might consider these results in managing elderly patients susceptible to cardiovascular disease.