Systemic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as risk factors for the cardiovascular system (Review)

Analysis of available publications showed that the largest number of studies concentrated on the effects produced by radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on the nervous system. Next in frequency of studies are the cardiovascular system, secretion glands, excretory system, musculoskeletal system, skin, and spleen. Studies on the RF EMF effects on the reproductive system are as extensive as those on the nervous system, so they will be analyzed separately.

This publication provides analysis of changes in hematological parameters, cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart rate), and histological changes in the heart in young animals in a wide range of RF EMF frequencies (from 900 MHz to 38 GHz, base stations, and Wi-Fi). The analysis also covers epidemiological studies of cardiovascular diseases when using mobile phones, the electromagnetic environment of the place, and the effects of Wi-Fi.

An important place in the review is occupied by systematization of studies focusing on the "response" of the cardiovascular system to a single and short-term, as well as chronic exposure to RF EMF on children and adolescents (7–16 years old), young adults (16–20 years old) and the first period of mature age up to 25 years. We separately considered studies of the relationship between the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, in particular hypertension, depending on the duration of using mobile phones, as well as a comparison of hematological changes in children and adults living near base stations.

When analyzing the results, special attention was paid to the effect of RF EMF primarily in children and adolescents/young animals as the most vulnerable cohort for any environmental factors. The presented results, in particular, show that a child's body is different from an adult and requires a special approach to studying the impact of RF EMF on the cardiovascular system.