Potential influence of geomagnetic activity on blood pressure statistical fluctuations at mid-magnetic latitudes

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: geomagnetic activity, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, environmental influences, hypertension, human health, mid-magnetic latitudes DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-00822-w URL: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview Solar and geomagnetic activity, impacted by the sun's dynamics, are increasingly recognized for their influence on human biological rhythms and cardiovascular function. Despite interest in the fluctuations of blood pressure (BP) relative to geomagnetic activity (GMA), the isolated effects and mechanisms remain unclear. Methods - Six-year time series analysis using over 500,000 BP measurements from Qingdao and Weihai, China (mid-magnetic latitudes) - Statistical analysis explored correlations between the GMA (Ap index) and BP, including quasi-periodic fluctuations - Comparisons made with other environmental factors: air temperature and PM2.5 Findings - Statistical BP fluctuations correlate with GMA. - Both BP and GMA index have similar annual bimodal and multiple periodicities (12-month, 6-month, and intermittent 3-month cycles). - Contrarily, air temperature and PM2.5 did not show similar periodicities or 3-month cycles. - Years with higher GMA showed stronger, more rapid BP correlations (especially with Ap index). - Females’ BP appeared more strongly correlated with GMA than males. Conclusion - The study highlights increased risks for individuals with hypertension during high GMA periods. - Deepens understanding of GMA’s impact on human health. - Findings carry implications for clinicians and policymakers regarding the clinical significance of geomagnetic environments. Plain Language Summary Blood pressure fluctuates for many reasons—including hormonal and environmental factors. Geomagnetic activity, driven by changes in Earth’s magnetic field due to solar forces, may also impact blood pressure. Using six years of data, this study finds a connection between periods of high geomagnetic activity and increased blood pressure, stressing the importance of this relationship for hypertension assessment and health management.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a six-year time series with over 500,000 BP measurements, statistical BP fluctuations were reported to correlate with geomagnetic activity (Ap index), with similar annual bimodal and multiple periodicities (12-month, 6-month, and intermittent 3-month cycles). Years with higher geomagnetic activity showed stronger and more rapid BP correlations, and females’ BP appeared more strongly correlated with geomagnetic activity than males; air temperature and PM2.5 did not show similar periodicities.

Outcomes measured

• Blood pressure (BP) fluctuations
• Hypertension risk (implied in conclusions)

Limitations

• Mechanisms and isolated effects of geomagnetic activity on blood pressure are stated as unclear.
• Observational time-series/correlation design; causality not established (implied by correlation-focused methods).
• Potential confounding by other time-varying factors beyond air temperature and PM2.5 not described in the abstract.

Suggested hubs

• other (0.6)
  Study concerns geomagnetic activity (Earth’s magnetic field) and blood pressure, not telecom RF sources.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "geomagnetic activity (Earth’s magnetic field; Ap index)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Six-year time series"
    },
    "population": "Individuals with blood pressure measurements from Qingdao and Weihai, China (mid-magnetic latitudes)",
    "sample_size": 500000,
    "outcomes": [
        "Blood pressure (BP) fluctuations",
        "Hypertension risk (implied in conclusions)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a six-year time series with over 500,000 BP measurements, statistical BP fluctuations were reported to correlate with geomagnetic activity (Ap index), with similar annual bimodal and multiple periodicities (12-month, 6-month, and intermittent 3-month cycles). Years with higher geomagnetic activity showed stronger and more rapid BP correlations, and females’ BP appeared more strongly correlated with geomagnetic activity than males; air temperature and PM2.5 did not show similar periodicities.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Mechanisms and isolated effects of geomagnetic activity on blood pressure are stated as unclear.",
        "Observational time-series/correlation design; causality not established (implied by correlation-focused methods).",
        "Potential confounding by other time-varying factors beyond air temperature and PM2.5 not described in the abstract."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "geomagnetic activity",
        "Ap index",
        "blood pressure",
        "hypertension",
        "cardiovascular health",
        "time series",
        "mid-magnetic latitudes",
        "Qingdao",
        "Weihai",
        "China",
        "PM2.5",
        "air temperature"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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