Effect of Exposure to Mobile Phones on Electrical Cardiac Measurements: Multivariate Analysis & Variable Selection Algorithm to Detect Relationship With Mean Changes

Authors: Alharbi N, Alassiri M

Year: 2024 Oct 3

Category: Cardiology, Electromagnetic Field Research

Journal: International Journal of Cell Biology

DOI: 10.1155/2024/7093771

URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/7093771

Abstract

Overview

The exponential growth in mobile phone usage has raised concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and its health risks. Blood pressure and BMI, which impair heart function due to decreased adrenoreceptor responsiveness, parasympathetic tone withdrawal, and increased sympathetic activity, may further exacerbate these risks. However, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic (RF-EM) exposure from mobile phones on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals remain unclear.

Purpose

This study aims to significantly enhance the analytical approach used to assess the effects of mobile phone exposure on cardiac parameters. The twofold objective is:

  • To examine whether exposure to mobile phones changes five cardiac variables (P-R, QRS, QT, ST, HR) in a multivariate manner.
  • To determine whether blood pressure and/or body mass index (BMI), a proxy for obesity, affect these changes across four exposure cycles.

Method

Researchers performed multivariate analysis on previously collected electrical cardiac measurement data from 20 healthy male subjects exposed to mobile phone EMF, placing phones in four different body locations. The one-sample Hotelling T2 test was used to analyze differences, and the MMPC variable selection algorithm identified significant predictors despite small sample size.

Findings

  • Significant changes in ECG intervals and heart rate were observed before and after the first EMF exposure cycle, independent of BMI.
  • Heart rate, P-R, and QRS intervals decreased post-exposure, while QT and ST intervals increased.
  • These changes were influenced by variations in systolic blood pressure, not BMI.

Conclusion

The observed changes in cardiac electrical measurements are attributed to EMF exposure from mobile phones. Notably, there is evidence linking EMFs from mobile phones to adverse effects on heart health. Regular users, particularly those at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), should take steps to reduce EMF exposure, such as limiting talk time or using hands-free devices. Ongoing research is essential to better understand both short- and long-term effects of these frequencies.

Device Used: iPhone 5 Plus

EMF exposure mobile phones heart rate variability electrocardiogram cardiac health RF-EMF health risk
← Back to Stats