Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals

Abstract

The present study investigated the impact of 12 weeks of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on peripheral vascular function, blood pressure (BP), and nitric oxide in hypertensive individuals. Thirty hypertensive individuals (SBP > 130 mm Hg and/or MAP > 100 mm Hg) were assigned to either PEMF group (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). During pre-assessment, participants underwent measures of flow-mediated dilation (FMD), BP, and blood draw for nitric oxide (NO). Subsequently, they received PEMF therapy 3x/day for 12 weeks and, at conclusion, returned to the laboratory for post-assessment. Fifteen participants from the PEMF group and 11 participants from the control group successfully completed the study protocol. After therapy, the PEMF group demonstrated significant improvements in FMD and FMDNOR (normalized to hyperemia), but the control group did not (P =.05 and P =.04, respectively). Moreover, SBP, DBP, and MAP were reduced, but the control group did not (P =.04,.04, and.03, respectively). There were no significant alterations in NO in both groups (P >.05). Twelve weeks of PEMF therapy may improve BP and vascular function in hypertensive individuals. Additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which PEMF affects endothelial function.