50 Hz magnetic field affects heart rate variability – an experimental study

Abstract

This study exposed subjects (N=108) to 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at 4 µT. The test was done under blind test conditions, consisting of five stages, including control and exposure stages, each lasting for two minutes. The exposure took place in two stages. The results show, the average heart rate increased due course of the test (p=0.003). In addition, the total power of the heart rate variability (HRV) was statistically significantly lower during exposure stages than control stages. High frequency component of HRV decreases due course of the entire test (p = 0.014).