A literature review: the cardiovascular effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields

Abstract

The effects of exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human cardiovascular parameters remain undetermined. Epidemiological studies have utilized dosimetry estimations of employee workplace exposure using altered heart rate variability (HRV) as predictive of certain cardiovascular pathologies. Laboratory studies have focused on macrocirculatory indicators including heart rate, HRV and blood pressure. Few studies have been conducted on the response of the microcirculatory system to EMF exposure. Attempts to replicate both epidemiological and laboratory studies have been mostly unsuccessful as study design, small sample populations and confounding variables have hampered progress to date. Identification of these problems, in the current context of international exposure guideline re-evaluation, is essential for future EMF studies. These studies should address the possible deleterious health effects of EMFs as well as the detection and characterization of subtle physiological changes they may induce. Recommendations for future work include investigating the macro- and microcirculatory relationship and the use of laboratory geomagnetic shielding.

The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans

“…For more detailed reading on the history of ELF MF exposure on HR and HRV, the reader is referred to McNamee et al (2009). At the present time, there is enough evidence to suggest a subtle cardiovascular effect of power line MF exposure on HR and HRV, however, it appears this effect is not observed in all studies and the reasons for this are unknown.…”

The response of the human circulatory system to an acute 200-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure

“…The absence of an MF effect on perfusion observed in this experiment lends support to the argument that if there is indeed an ELF MF effect on the microcirculatory system, it might only be observed under certain frequency/intensity windows such as has been observed with human HR and ELF MF exposure (Cook et al 1992;Graham et al 1994;Partanen 1994, Tabor et al 1994). These studies have suggested decreases in HR in subjects exposed to both 50-Hz and 60-Hz fields with flux densities between 15.43 and 30 lT. For further information on the history of studies investigating the human HR response to ELF MF exposure, the reader is referred to McNamee et al (2009). It should be pointed out that this pilot study could only be conducted because of its non-invasive nature, which was made possible by the use of laser Doppler flowmetry.…”

“…In order to allow the computation and analysis of HRV indices, future studies might consider using longer data measurement periods. HRV remains an important area for future full-length studies, and a detailed review of the history of ELF MF HRV studies can be found in McNamee et al (2009).…”

Effects of static and electromagnetic fields on human serum paraoxonase-1 activity in vitro

“…Meanwhile evaluation of the effects of EMFs on cardiovascular disease (CVD) has attracted considerable attention (1). Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of CVD, the greatest current public health problem, in the 21st century (2).…”