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Cardiovascular

Ambulatory ECG monitoring in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields.

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Bortkiewicz, A, Zmyslony, M, Gadzicka, E, Palczynski, C, Szmigielski, S · 1997

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Workers exposed to radio frequency fields showed heart rhythm abnormalities three times more often than unexposed workers.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers studied heart function in 71 workers at AM radio broadcast stations who were regularly exposed to electromagnetic fields compared to 22 unexposed workers. They found that 75% of EMF-exposed workers showed abnormal heart rhythms on electrocardiograms, compared to only 25% of unexposed workers. This suggests that occupational EMF exposure may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Why This Matters

This study provides compelling evidence that electromagnetic field exposure affects cardiovascular function in real-world occupational settings. The threefold increase in heart rhythm abnormalities among broadcast workers is particularly striking given that both groups had similar lifestyles, ages, and work conditions. The exposure levels these workers experienced (165 V/m maximum) are substantially higher than typical consumer electronics but comparable to what you might encounter near cell towers or high-power wireless equipment. What makes this research especially valuable is its use of 24-hour heart monitoring rather than just snapshot measurements, revealing rhythm disturbances that might otherwise go undetected. The science demonstrates a clear dose-response relationship, with workers averaging nearly 19 years of exposure showing significantly more cardiovascular effects than unexposed controls.

Exposure Details

Electric Field
165 V/m
Source/Device
0.738-1.503 MHz

Exposure Context

This study used 165 V/m for electric fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.5 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.5 MHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the circulatory system in workers occupationally exposed to medium frequency electromagnetic fields

The subjects were 71 workers at four AM broadcast stations [0.738-1.503 MHz] aged 20-68 (mean 46.9 +...

The electrocardiographic abnormalities detected in the resting and/ or 24 h ECG were significantly m...

A clear tendency for a higher number of rhythm disturbances (mostly ExV) was observed in AM broadcast station workers.

Cite This Study
Bortkiewicz, A, Zmyslony, M, Gadzicka, E, Palczynski, C, Szmigielski, S (1997). Ambulatory ECG monitoring in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields. J Med Eng Technol 21(2):41-46, 1997.
Show BibTeX
@article{bortkiewicz_1997_ambulatory_ecg_monitoring_in_870,
  author = {Bortkiewicz and A and Zmyslony and M and Gadzicka and E and Palczynski and C and Szmigielski and S},
  title = {Ambulatory ECG monitoring in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields.},
  year = {1997},
  doi = {10.3109/03091909709008403},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/03091909709008403},
}
DOI: 10.3109/03091909709008403

Cited By (45 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research suggests radio waves may affect heart function. A 1997 study found 75% of AM radio station workers exposed to electromagnetic fields showed abnormal heart rhythms, compared to only 25% of unexposed workers, indicating a potential cardiovascular risk.
Studies indicate AM radio radiation may impact heart health. Workers regularly exposed to AM broadcast frequencies showed three times more heart rhythm abnormalities than unexposed workers, suggesting occupational exposure could increase cardiovascular problems.
Yes, electromagnetic field exposure appears to affect heart rhythm. Research on broadcast station workers found significantly more rhythm disturbances in those exposed to EMF compared to unexposed workers, with abnormalities occurring in 75% versus 25%.
Radio frequency exposure may increase heart rhythm disturbances. A workplace study revealed workers exposed to AM radio frequencies had significantly higher rates of electrocardiographic abnormalities, suggesting potential cardiovascular risks from occupational EMF exposure.
EMF exposure may negatively impact cardiovascular health by disrupting normal heart rhythms. Research shows workers exposed to electromagnetic fields had three times more heart abnormalities than unexposed individuals, indicating potential cardiovascular system effects.