Geomagnetic storm under laboratory conditions: randomized experiment

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of a geomagnetic storm (GS) on the human cardiovascular system and microcirculation under controlled laboratory conditions.

Methodology

Healthy volunteers were examined in a lying position, exposed to two different conditions artificially created to mimic natural and storm conditions. The Quiet (Q) condition replicated a noise-free magnetic field similar to natural geomagnetic conditions in Moscow's latitude. The Storm (S) condition recreated a 6-hour geomagnetic storm, repeated sequentially four times.

Findings

• The cardiovascular response to the GS was monitored via capillary blood velocity (CBV), blood pressure (BP), and 24-hour ECG recordings.
• A storm-to-quiet ratio for cardiovascular intervals and heart rate variability (HRV) was used to identify significant over-group differences in HRV.
• Autocorrelation function analysis of the high-frequency (HF) part of the cardiovascular interval spectrum helped estimate individual sensitivity to the GS.
• Distinct response patterns were observed between Quiet and Storm conditions among the subjects.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant differences in cardiovascular response and heart rate variability under geomagnetic storm conditions, suggesting potential health impacts associated with electromagnetic field exposure during geomagnetic storms.