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

## TL;DR

This review explores if changes in Earth's magnetic field, caused by solar activity, might be linked to heart-related health events like heart attacks and strokes.

## Contribution

The study maps existing evidence on the relationship between geomagnetic activity and cardiovascular outcomes through a scoping review.

## Key findings

- Most studies found significant correlations between geomagnetic activity and increased cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
- Higher stroke risk was observed during severe geomagnetic storms, especially in young adults.
- Low geomagnetic activity combined with high cosmic ray activity was linked to higher heart attack rates and mortality.

## Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with a growing impact worldwide, yet the role of environmental exposures such as geomagnetic activity (GMA) is unclear. In recent years, environmental factors such as air pollution, extreme temperatures, and natural disasters have been recognized as triggers for cardiovascular events, prompting interest in other environmental influences. Geomagnetic activity (GMA), defined as fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field driven by solar energy and charged particles, remains understudied due to challenges in its integration into epidemiologic research. This scoping review aimed to map the existing evidence on reported associations between geomagnetic activity and cardiovascular outcomes. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) identified 1,718 articles published between 1964 and 2023. After removal of 147 duplicates and screening against predefined eligibility criteria, 36 studies were included in the final review. These studies examined adult populations, measured geomagnetic activity or related space-weather exposures (geomagnetic storms, solar proton events, high-speed solar wind, cosmic ray intensity, and Schumann resonances), and reported cardiovascular outcomes such as myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or mortality. The majority of studies (n = 28) reported significant correlations, while eight found no effect. The incidence of myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome increased during geomagnetic storms, solar proton events, and high-speed solar wind, with greater susceptibility observed in individuals with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or prior cardiovascular disease. The risk of stroke increased with storm intensity, up to 52% during severe events, particularly among young adults. Low geomagnetic activity combined with high cosmic ray activity was consistently associated with increased myocardial infarction incidence and mortality, while more active solar conditions appeared protective. Overall, evidence suggests that geomagnetic and cosmic variability may coincide with cardiovascular risk; however, findings remain inconsistent, and many studies rely on ecological designs with uncontrolled factors that limit interpretation. Given that evidence is still emerging, these observations remain preliminary. Standardized prospective studies are necessary to determine underlying mechanisms and assess whether space weather monitoring could benefit cardiovascular risk prediction and public health preparedness.