8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Cardiovascular

Belenko J, Cancel G, Mayrovitz HN

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2025

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Natural geomagnetic storms increase heart attack and stroke risk by up to 52%, suggesting electromagnetic sensitivity in cardiovascular health.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers reviewed 36 studies examining how Earth's magnetic field fluctuations (geomagnetic activity) might trigger heart attacks and strokes. Most studies found increased cardiovascular events during geomagnetic storms, with stroke risk rising up to 52% during severe events. The findings suggest space weather may influence heart health, though more rigorous research is needed.

Why This Matters

This scoping review opens an intriguing chapter in EMF health research by examining natural electromagnetic phenomena that dwarf our everyday exposures. While we debate the health effects of cell phones and WiFi, Earth's magnetic field variations during solar storms create electromagnetic disturbances orders of magnitude stronger than any human-made device. The finding that 28 of 36 studies showed cardiovascular correlations with geomagnetic activity suggests our bodies may be more electromagnetically sensitive than mainstream medicine acknowledges. What makes this particularly relevant is the biological plausibility. If natural EMF fluctuations can trigger heart attacks and strokes, it challenges the assumption that artificial EMF at lower intensities is automatically harmless. The mechanisms proposed include disrupted circadian rhythms, altered autonomic nervous system function, and changes in blood clotting factors. While the research remains preliminary and relies heavily on ecological studies, it provides compelling evidence that electromagnetic fields can have measurable cardiovascular effects in human populations.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2025). Belenko J, Cancel G, Mayrovitz HN.
Show BibTeX
@article{belenko_j_cancel_g_mayrovitz_hn_ce4719,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Belenko J, Cancel G, Mayrovitz HN},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.7759/cureus.99851},
  
}
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99851PubMed: 41573459

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, most studies in this review found increased myocardial infarction rates during geomagnetic storms. The effect was particularly pronounced in people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or existing heart disease, suggesting electromagnetic sensitivity varies among individuals.
Stroke risk can increase up to 52% during severe geomagnetic storms, with young adults showing particular susceptibility. The risk appears to correlate with storm intensity, suggesting a dose-response relationship between electromagnetic disturbance and cardiovascular events.
Yes, the research found opposite effects. Low geomagnetic activity combined with high cosmic ray intensity consistently increased heart attack rates and mortality, while more active solar conditions appeared protective, suggesting different electromagnetic mechanisms at work.
The review found greater cardiovascular susceptibility to geomagnetic storms among individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This suggests pre-existing metabolic conditions may increase electromagnetic sensitivity, making these populations more vulnerable to space weather effects.
Researchers suggest space weather monitoring could potentially benefit cardiovascular risk prediction and public health preparedness. However, they emphasize that standardized prospective studies are needed first to establish reliable correlations and understand underlying mechanisms.