Exploring the Potential Observations Between Geomagnetic Activity and Cardiovascular Events: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: geomagnetic activity, cardiovascular disease, space weather, myocardial infarction, stroke, environmental exposure, public health DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99851 URL: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the top cause of death globally. While the impact of well-known environmental factors like air pollution and temperature extremes has been established, the influence of geomagnetic activity (GMA)—fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field—on cardiovascular events remains largely unexplored and unintegrated in most epidemiologic studies. Methods This scoping review mapped current evidence regarding links between geomagnetic activity and cardiovascular outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL identified 1,718 articles (1964-2023); after duplicate removal and screening, 36 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Findings - Most studies (28 out of 36) reported significant correlations between geomagnetic activity or space-weather exposures and increased rates of events such as myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality. - Events like geomagnetic storms, solar proton events, and high-speed solar wind were linked to spikes in acute cardiovascular incidents and higher susceptibility among individuals with pre-existing risk factors (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, prior CVD). - Stroke risk increased with storm intensity, notably up to 52% during severe geomagnetic storms—especially among younger adults. - Periods of low geomagnetic activity combined with high cosmic ray activity were consistently associated with greater incidence of myocardial infarction and higher mortality. - Conversely, more active solar conditions might offer a protective effect for cardiovascular events. Conclusion Geomagnetic and cosmic variability may be linked with elevated cardiovascular risks. However, results are inconsistent and mostly based on ecological studies that lack full control for confounding factors. There is a clear need for standardized, prospective research to elucidate these potential mechanisms further and to determine the value of space weather monitoring for public health and cardiovascular risk prediction.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This scoping review included 36 studies (1964–2023). Most studies (28/36) reported significant correlations between geomagnetic activity/space-weather exposures and increased rates of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality; some findings suggested more active solar conditions might be protective. The authors note results are inconsistent and largely based on ecological studies with limited control for confounding.

Outcomes measured

• myocardial infarction
• acute coronary syndrome
• stroke
• cardiovascular mortality
• cardiovascular events

Limitations

• Scoping review (maps evidence; does not necessarily synthesize effect sizes)
• Included evidence mostly ecological studies
• Limited control for confounding factors in included studies
• Results described as inconsistent

{
    "study_type": "review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "geomagnetic activity / space weather (Earth's magnetic field fluctuations; cosmic ray activity)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": 36,
    "outcomes": [
        "myocardial infarction",
        "acute coronary syndrome",
        "stroke",
        "cardiovascular mortality",
        "cardiovascular events"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This scoping review included 36 studies (1964–2023). Most studies (28/36) reported significant correlations between geomagnetic activity/space-weather exposures and increased rates of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality; some findings suggested more active solar conditions might be protective. The authors note results are inconsistent and largely based on ecological studies with limited control for confounding.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Scoping review (maps evidence; does not necessarily synthesize effect sizes)",
        "Included evidence mostly ecological studies",
        "Limited control for confounding factors in included studies",
        "Results described as inconsistent"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "geomagnetic activity",
        "space weather",
        "Earth's magnetic field",
        "cosmic rays",
        "cardiovascular disease",
        "myocardial infarction",
        "stroke",
        "cardiovascular mortality",
        "ecological studies",
        "public health"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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