The Influence of Weak Geomagnetic Disturbances on the Rat Cardiovascular System under Natural and Shielded Geomagnetic Field Conditions

Abstract

Abstract—This work was aimed at studying the effects of weak geomagnetic disturbances on systolic blood pressure, the R–R interval, the low-frequency and high-frequency components, and its ratio of heart rate variability spectrum under natural and shielded geomagnetic field conditions. All tests were performed with male Wistar rats placed in simulation and shielded chambers. In the simulation chamber, significant shifts in the parameters under study were observed on the days of geomagnetic disturbances: an increase in systolic blood pressure, as well as in the ratio of low- to high frequency components of the heart rate variability spectrum. In the shielded chamber, the parameters were not considerably different under quiet and disturbed geomagnetic field. In addition, in the stimulation chamber, the value of the mean daily barometric pressure was inversely correlated with systolic blood pressure; this relationship was significantly weakened under shielded geomagnetic field conditions. It was concluded that weak geomagnetic disturbances affect cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system functions. The authors hypothesize that the enhanced effect of a slight decrease in barometric pressure on systolic blood pressure in the natural geomagnetic field could be associated with the effect of geomagnetic activity on the mechanisms of blood oxygenation.