Abstract

Overview

This study focuses on the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EM) emitted by cell phones on heart rate variability (HRV) among normotensive medical students, comparing results between normal-weight and obese individuals.

Method & Exposure Details

• Twenty medical students participated: half were normal-weight and the other half, obese.
• Exposures included: phone close to the heart in silent and ringing modes, and next to the ear while listening and speaking.

Key Findings

• Obese students exhibited an increased basal heart rate and a decreased PR interval and HRV under all conditions. This included decreases in standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and other related metrics.
• Significant reductions in HRV measures were noted when the phone was on the chest in ring/vibration mode, affecting both weight groups.
• The effect was more substantial in obese individuals, indicating exacerbated sympathetic activation due to additional adiposity factors.

Conclusion

Cell phone exposure, particularly when positioned on the chest in active modes, significantly impairs heart rate variability, with more pronounced effects observed in obese medical students. Disruptions in HRV could underline critical health risks associated with sympathetic nervous system activation from RF exposure.