To read the original article in full go to : Geomagnetic disturbances caused by sun may influence occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women.
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Geomagnetic Storms Linked to Higher Heart Attack Rates in Women, Brazilian Study Finds
Key findings
The article, published in Communications Medicine in 2025, reports a correlation between geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar activity and a higher frequency of heart attacks in Brazil, with a pronounced effect in women aged 31–60. Using data from the public health network of São José dos Campos collected between 1998 and 2005, the researchers (led by Luiz Felipe C. Rezende et al.) compared myocardial infarction events with periods of disturbed versus quiet geomagnetic activity, quantified by the Kp-index. They found that for women in the 31–60 age group, the relative frequency of heart attacks could be up to three times higher during disturbed geomagnetic conditions than during calm periods.
"In the 31–60 age group, the relative frequency of heart attacks among women was up to three times higher during disturbed geomagnetic conditions compared to calm conditions" - Luiz Felipe C. Rezende, et al.
Methods and data
The study integrates health data from São José dos Campos with geomagnetic measurements, including the Kp-index, to assess temporal associations between geomagnetic disturbances and myocardial infarction events. The dataset comprises 871 men and 469 women, focusing on adults within the 31–60 age range. While the analysis identifies a notable association, the authors emphasize the observational nature of the study and acknowledge potential confounding factors inherent in ecological analyses.
"Geomagnetic disturbances are caused by solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetosphere and can affect satellite communications and GPS" - Karina Toledo, FAPESP
Implications and context
These findings suggest a potential link between space weather and public health, indicating that solar-driven geomagnetic activity may influence cardiac event rates in a sex- and age-specific manner. The authors call for replication in other populations and exploration of underlying mechanisms, including vascular or autonomic pathways, to determine whether space weather should be considered in risk assessment and public health planning. The study adds to growing interest in how geospace conditions might intersect with human health, though it stops short of establishing causation and highlights the need for further research across diverse settings.
"This finding points to a potential link between space weather and public health, warranting further study and replication" - Karina Toledo, FAPESP