The Relationship between Geophysical Rhythms and Human Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: A Case Study

Abstract

The results of the analysis of time series for 5 years of observations of geophysical (ecological) rhythms, atmospheric pressure, and geomagnetic activity, were considered and their effect on human blood pressure and heart rate for time periods of fluctuations more than daily was assessed. It was found that during periods of about 15 days, when atmospheric pressure changed smoothly and slightly, a calmer heart rate and fluctuations in blood pressure were observed. Such “calm” periods of time were observed mainly in the summer months from July to August, usually only once per season. A comparison of the graphs of fluctuations in systolic pressure and the geomagnetic activity index showed a correlation between them three times higher than the correlation between systolic pressure and atmospheric pressure. This means that a geomagnetic field with an activity index of more than 2 had a greater effect on increasing systolic pressure in humans. The analysis also showed that the periods of peaks in the atmospheric pressure spectra were in good agreement with the periods of heart rate rhythms. The result indicates that these rhythms in humans might be affected by synoptic processes passing through the region in the atmosphere such as cyclones and anticyclones; ultimately, the well-being of elderly and sick people might depend on them. This study, as well as taking the variability of geophysical parameters published by hydrometeorological services into account, makes it possible to predict the state of human health.