Abstract

Overview

The present study explores the impact of a 500 μT 50-Hz electromagnetic field (EMF) on the cardiovascular health of rats, addressing ongoing debates regarding EMF exposure risks.

Methods

• Subjects: Forty-eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Groups: Rats were divided into a sham group and an exposure group.
• Procedure: Rats underwent 24 weeks of EMF exposure for 20 hours per day. Measures such as blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization were recorded periodically.
• Assessments: Tests were conducted to assess cardiac function and detect molecular and morphological changes in the heart.

Findings

No significant changes were observed in heart rate, blood pressure, pulse rate, cardiomyocyte morphology, or levels of cardiac hypertrophy-related genes between the exposed and control groups.

Conclusion

The study concluded that there were no apparent effects on the cardiovascular system of rats after 24 weeks of EMF exposure at 500 μT. However, assessing risk from EMFs remains critical given unresolved concerns about potential long-term health implications.