Abstract

Overview

The study focuses on the impact of geomagnetic disturbances (GMD), related to the solar cycle, on health outcomes in U.S. cities.

Background

Short-term geomagnetic disturbances have been linked with several adverse health effects such as cardiovascular diseases and higher mortality rates. This extensive study covers 263 U.S. cities, evaluating the correlation of GMD on daily deaths caused by total, cardiovascular disease (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.

Methods

• A two-step meta-analysis was utilized to estimate city-specific and season-stratified mortality risks.
• The study assessed modifications in mortality risk based on daily Kp index values, a parameter for geomagnetic activity.
• Sensitivity analysis was performed to understand the impact of particulate matter (PM2.5) alongside GMD.

Findings

• Significant correlations were found between daily GMD and increased deaths from CVD, MI, and total mortality, with notable seasonal variations.
• The analysis shows that the effects of GMD can surpass those from PM2.5, especially in the colder and fall seasons.
• Addionally, the adjustments for PM2.5 show increased percentages in total deaths during the winter (0.47%) and fall (0.23%), highlighting the profound impact of GMD.

Conclusion

Geomagnetic disturbances exhibit a clear association with increased mortality due to total, CVD, and MI across the studied U.S. cities. The inherent risks of increased mortality during GMD periods should prompt further research into the physiological impacts correlated with solar activity variations and their connection to daily cardiovascular conditions.