Static Magnetic Field Effect on Cardiovascular Regulation: A Review

Mounting evidence suggests that environmental and occupational magnetic fields affect cardiovascular system. In this review, supported by original hemodynamic recordings - direct experimental evidence of the effect - static magnetic field (SMF) effects on arterial baroreflex cardiovascular control mechanism have been summarized. Local exposure of 120 - 350 mT SMF to sinocarotid baroreceptors in rabbits and healthy volunteers exerted a stimulatory effect on arterial baroreflex - normalized arterial blood pressure in hypertensive and hypotensive conditions, significantly increased microcirculation, heart rate variability, arterial baroreflex sensitivity and sodium nitroprusside (spontaneous nitric oxide donor) microcirculatory vasodilatory effect. The improvement of the vasodilator responsiveness to nitric oxide by baroreceptor stimulation suggested to be a new mechanism in baroreflex physiology with potential implementation in a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases where endothelial dysfunction and sympathovagal imbalance that results from a loss of baroreflex control over autonomic activity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality substantially. The modulation of the baroreflex-mediated autonomic cardiovascular control is a new concept for understanding environmental magnetic fields effect on cardiovascular system and an effective strategy to prevent their potential public health hazards.