Geomagnetic Disturbance Worsen Microcirculation Impairing Arterial Baroreflex Vascular Regulatory Mechanism

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that geomagnetic storms are associated with severe cardiovascular events including cerebral strokes and myocardial infarctions. Previously we found that geomagnetic field (GMF) disturbance decreased arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), comprising an important environment cardiovascular risk factor. A close positive correlation was also found between BRS and microcirculation per se hypothesizing GMF microcirculatory effect. Fifty-one experiments on conscious rabbits investigated the relationship between ear lobe cutaneous microcirculation, measured by microphotoelectric plethysmograpy, BRS, estimated from blood pressure/heart rate response to intravenous bolus injections of nitroprusside and phenylephrine, and geomagnetic disturbance, reflected by the indices of the geomagnetic activity. Geomagnetic disturbances worsened both microcirculation and BRS. A larger inverse correlation of the geomagnetic activity (K-index) with BRS (p < 0.002) the with microcirculation (p < 0.04), suggested that changes in the GMF primarily attenuates the arterial baroreflex vascular control mechanism leading to a decrease in microcirculation. We recommend on days with intense geomagnetic activity, and especially during geomagnetic storms, to intensify the therapy of ischaemic cerebral and heart disease to improve microcirculation in brain tissue and in the myocardium to decrease the risk of cerebral strokes and myocardial infarctions. Verapamil, a Ca²⁺ channel blocking agent should be especially effective, due to its favorable effect on microcirculation and for its potential specific magneto-protective properties.

Keywords:

• Baroreflex sensitivity
• Cardiovascular risk
• Indices of geomagnetic activity
• Microphotoelectric plethysmography
• Verapamil