Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Heart rate variability monitoring due to 50 Hz electromagnetic field exposure and statistical processing med./bio.

Published in: 2012 International Conference and Exposition on Electrical and Power Engineering, Iasi, Romania. IEEE, 2012; ISBN 978-1-4673-1173-1

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the influence of 50 Hz magnetic fields on the heart rate variability in humans.

Background/further details

In total, 44 subjects took part in the study. However, 12 were excluded due to movement artifacts in the electrocardiogram or imperfect electrode contacts. Hence, 32 subjects (n=14 exposed, n=18 control) were considered for the analysis.
Remark EMF-Portal: No details given for exposure procedure or parameters, e.g. unclear if subjects were only exposed to a magnetic field or additionally to an electric field.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: not given

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
  • unspecified
Exposure duration not given
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • not specified
Setup not given
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 67 µT unspecified - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In exposed subjects, the variation of the amplitude of the QRS complex and the mean heart rate were significantly decreased compared to the non-exposed control subjects while the mean RR interval was significantly increased. Additionally, the power spectral density of the heart rate variability was significantly decreased in the low frequency band and significantly increased in the high frequency band in exposed subjects compared to control subjects.
The authors conclude that 50 Hz magnetic field exposure could influence the heart rate variability in humans.

Study character:

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