Geomagnetic storms effects on human health
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Geomagnetic Storms and Human Health: Cardiovascular and Mental Health Effects
Research consistently shows that geomagnetic storms can have significant effects on human health, especially on the cardiovascular and mental health systems. During geomagnetic storms, the number of hospitalizations for mental and cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and acute brain blood circulation disorders, increases by up to two times compared to periods of geomagnetic quiet. The risk of myocardial infarction rises by about 2.1 times, angina pectoris by 1.6 times, and acute brain blood circulation disorders by 1.5 times during these storms. These effects are most pronounced during the equinox seasons and least during summer months 16.
Mechanisms: Autonomic Nervous System, Circadian Rhythms, and Blood Viscosity
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how geomagnetic disturbances impact human health. These include alterations in the autonomic nervous system, disruptions to circadian rhythms, changes in blood viscosity, and psychiatric effects. Geomagnetic storms may interfere with the body’s biological clocks, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular events and mental health issues 2410. The cryptochrome compass system, which is involved in circadian rhythm regulation, may mediate stress responses to geomagnetic changes, potentially affecting hormonal balance and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis .
Short-Term and Long-Term Health Impacts
Studies analyzing ambulance call data and hospital admissions have found both positive and negative short-term effects of geomagnetic storms on different health conditions. For example, there is an increase in myocardial infarctions and acute heart failures, but a decrease in cerebral infarctions immediately following geomagnetic storms. This suggests that the health impact of geomagnetic storms can vary depending on the specific disease 35.
Long-term studies have also shown correlations between geomagnetic activity and increased mortality from hypertensive diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, heart diseases, and other conditions. These associations are more precisely detected using new geomagnetic indices that classify storms by their onset characteristics 59.
Vulnerable Populations and Contributing Factors
Certain groups are more sensitive to geomagnetic storms, such as women over 46 with angina pectoris and men under 45 with high meteosensitivity. The duration of magnetic storms and atmospheric pressure are key factors influencing health outcomes in these groups. Lethal outcomes are more likely when magnetic storms are prolonged and combined with extreme temperature conditions .
Recommendations for Research and Healthcare
Researchers emphasize the need for careful selection of geomagnetic indices and consideration of individual health conditions, medication use, and personal sensitivity to geomagnetic changes when studying these effects. Improved understanding of these relationships can help healthcare providers anticipate and manage increased risks during geomagnetic storms 48.
Conclusion
Geomagnetic storms are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and mental health problems, likely through mechanisms involving the autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythm disruption, and stress responses. The effects are most notable during certain seasons and among sensitive populations. Ongoing research and improved monitoring can help mitigate these health risks and inform medical protocols during periods of high geomagnetic activity 124678910.
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