Can Magnetic Fields Improve Blood Flow in Blocked Arteries?

An alarming report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in India in 2021, following COVID-19. Ischemic heart disease occurs when blood flow in the coronary arteries is restricted due to the buildup of cholesterol, lipoproteins, and calcium, forming plaque. This narrowing of arteries raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart-related conditions such as hypertension and heart attacks. Managing blood flow and pressure in blocked arteries can help prevent severe health complications.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has discovered that magnetic fields can effectively influence blood flow, either accelerating or decelerating it based on the field’s direction. This breakthrough presents new possibilities for utilizing magnets in heart disease treatments and the development of advanced drug delivery systems.

The researchers employed a computational model to simulate and analyze blood flow patterns, considering factors such as velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress (the frictional force exerted against artery walls). They created a numerical model of a blocked artery and used mathematical equations to examine the effects of magnetic fields on narrowed arteries. The magnetic field interacts with iron-rich hemoglobin in the blood, altering blood flow depending on the field's orientation. The study incorporated calculations based on the Navier-Stokes equations (for blood movement), Maxwell’s equations (for electromagnetic fields), and the Carreau-Yasuda Model (for blood viscosity and flow).

The study examined varying levels of artery narrowing—mild (25% blocked), moderate (35% blocked), and severe (50% blocked)—with different structural shapes, including axisymmetric (evenly narrowed), eccentric (off-centered), asymmetric, and sharp-edged blockages. Axisymmetric and sharp-edged blockages caused the most significant pressure changes and disrupted smooth blood flow. When the magnetic field was applied in the same direction as the blood flow, an increase in blood velocity was observed. Conversely, when applied perpendicular to blood flow, velocity decreased.

Computational simulations indicated that the magnetic field enhanced blood flow by approximately 17%, 30%, and 60% in mildly, moderately, and severely blocked arteries, respectively. Stronger magnetic fields contributed to smoother blood flow. In cases of severe arterial narrowing, aligning the magnetic field with blood flow helped reduce pressure near the blockage. However, pressure fluctuations can create increased shear stress on arterial plaque, raising the risk of rupture. The study found that magnetic forces stabilized blood flow and pressure across all types of arterial narrowing, thereby reducing the risk of plaque rupture.

The findings of this study offer promising applications for treating hypertension. By demonstrating how magnetic fields influence blood flow, pressure, and wall shear stress, the research highlights the potential for innovative cardiovascular treatments. These insights could contribute to better blood pressure management and help prevent damage to arterial walls. Additionally, the study underscores the role of magnets in improving patient care and advancing drug delivery technologies.

The researchers emphasize the need for further studies, including enhanced models to better understand the flexibility and shear stress of actual artery walls. Continued research in this area could lead to significant advancements in non-invasive cardiovascular treatments.

Reference:

1. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). 2025. "Magnetic Field Regulates Blood Flow in Partially Blocked Arteries." IIT Bombay Research Highlight. Accessed March 22, 2025. https://www.iitb.ac.in/research-highlight/magnetic-field-regulates-blood-flow-partially-blocked-arteries.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Noureen C/MSM)