Investigations of some human physiological parameters in relation to geomagnetic variations of solar origin and meteorological factors

Abstract

A group of 86 healthy volunteers was examined on working days in autumn 2001 and in spring 2002. These periods were chosen because of maximal expected geomagnetic activity. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Pulse pressure was calculated. Data about general well-being of persons were gathered. Altogether 2799 recordings were obtained and analysed. MANOVA was employed to check the significance of the influence of three factors on the physiological parameters under consideration. The factors were as follows: 1) planetary geomagnetic activity level estimated by Ap-index and divided into five levels; 2) gender - males and females; 3) the presence of medication. Post hoc analysis was performed to elicit the significance of differences in the factors' levels. Arterial blood pressure, pulse pressure and subjective psycho-physiological complaints were found to increase with the increase of geomagnetic activity level. Results obtained suggest that females and persons on a medication are more sensitive to geomagnetic activity increment in comparison with respectively males and persons not taking medicaments. Additionally ANOVA was employed to check the significance of the influence of some meteorological elements on the physiological parameters examined. Results revealed that the influence of meteorological factors is less biologically effective than the influence of geomagnetic activity.