A new observational study conducted by researchers in Brazil suggests a direct and statistically significant association between periods of disturbed geomagnetic activity caused by solar storms and an increase in heart attack admissions, particularly among women. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications Medicine, analyzed historical hospital admission data against daily space weather conditions.
The study, led by corresponding author Luiz Felipe Campos de Rezende at Brazil National Institute for Space Research sought to determine if the timing of myocardial infarction (heart attack) admissions and in-hospital deaths aligned with fluctuations in Earth magnetic field.
Women Show Higher Susceptibility on Disturbed Days
Researchers utilized the Planetary Index, a standard measure of global magnetic activity, to classify days as calm, moderate, or disturbed. The key finding was a marked difference in how men and women responded to space weather conditions:
• Women exhibited a higher rate of heart attack admissions on days when solar storms significantly disturbed Earth’s magnetic field compared to calm days.
• This signal was most visible among middle-aged and older women (specifically the 31-60 and over 60 age groups).
• In the 31-60 age group, the relative frequency rate of heart attacks for women was found to be up to three times higher during disturbed geomagnetic conditions compared to calm conditions, suggesting women are more susceptible to these conditions.
• In-hospital deaths for women in these age groups also rose on disturbed days.
While men accounted for more heart attack admissions overall, their admission timing did not show the same clear, statistically significant increase tied to disturbed days.
Observational Link, Not Causal Proof
The study was observational, relying on matching historical health records from one city with space weather data. The authors emphasized that the findings establish a strong link in timing, but do not prove that a magnetic disturbance directly causes a heart attack.
The plausibility of the link stems from the fact that the heart and nervous system rely on tiny electrical signals. Scientists hypothesize that external electromagnetic variations could provide a small “nudge” to cardiovascular systems already under strain, influencing when a critical event occurs.
The researchers concluded that the evidence justifies further investigation through larger, multi-regional datasets. If future work confirms a reliable association, public health teams could potentially use Space Weather Prediction Center alerts to advise individuals with known heart conditions to take extra precautions, such as ensuring they take prescribed medications and avoiding unusual exertion during strong magnetic disturbances.