As a stroke survivor, you’ve likely become highly attuned to factors that could affect your health. While you probably watch your blood pressure, maintain a healthy diet, and take prescribed medications, there’s another important factor you might not be aware of: solar weather.
What is Solar Weather and Why Should You Care?
Solar weather refers to the conditions and activity on the Sun’s surface that can affect Earth and its magnetic field. When the Sun experiences intense activity, it can trigger what scientists call “geomagnetic storms” on Earth. These storms don’t just create beautiful auroras – they can have significant effects on human health, particularly for those with cardiovascular conditions.1
The Startling Connection Between Solar Storms and Stroke Risk
Research has revealed a concerning link between solar weather events and stroke risk. During geomagnetic storms triggered by solar activity, the risk of experiencing a stroke doubles compared to periods of quiet solar weather.2 Even during less intense solar activity, the risk remains significantly elevated – about 60-80% higher than during quiet periods.2
Why Does Solar Weather Affect Stroke Risk?
Scientists believe that geomagnetic storms can affect our bodies in several ways:
- They can influence blood pressure and circulation3
- They may impact our brain’s electrical activity4
- They can affect our body’s stress response systems5
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
While we can’t control solar weather, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk during periods of high solar activity:
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Stay Informed: Monitor solar weather forecasts just as you would regular weather. FlareAware’s alert service can notify you when significant solar activity is expected.
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Be Extra Vigilant: During solar storms, pay special attention to:
- Your blood pressure readings
- Any unusual symptoms
- Your medication schedule
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Maintain Your Regular Prevention Routine: Continue with your:
- Blood pressure management
- Prescribed medications
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress reduction practices
The Importance of Staying Alert
Understanding the connection between solar weather and stroke risk isn’t about living in fear – it’s about being informed and prepared. Just as you might take extra precautions during extreme heat or cold, being aware of solar weather conditions adds another layer to your health management toolkit.
Take Action Today
Don’t let solar weather catch you off guard. Sign up for FlareAware’s alert service to receive timely notifications about solar weather events that could affect your health. Our alerts can help you and your healthcare providers make informed decisions about your stroke prevention strategy.
References:
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Kuleshova, V.P., et al. Biotropic effects of geomagnetic storms and their seasonal regularities. Biophysics, 46(5), 930-934.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294265242_Biotropic_effects_of_geomagnetic_storms_and_their_seasonal_regularities -
Solar Cycle data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center and the Royal Observatory of Belgium’s Sunspot Index and Long-term Solar Observations (SILSO) project.
Links:
NOAA SWPC |
SILSO -
Wang, V., et al. Solar Activity Is Associated With Diastolic and Systolic Blood Pressure in Elderly Adults. Journal of the American Heart Association, 2021.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357958089_Solar_Activity_Is_Associated_With_Diastolic_and_Systolic_Blood_Pressure_in_Elderly_Adults -
Wang CX, et al. Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from alpha-Band Activity in the Human Brain. eNeuro, 2019.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31028247/ -
Palmer, S.J., et al. Solar and geomagnetic activity, extremely low frequency magnetic and electric fields and human health at the Earth’s surface. Surv Geophys 27, 557–595 (2006).
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10712-006-9010-7
