Could EMFs Affect Blood Flow? What New Research Suggests

When we stop to think about how electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from our phones impact our body, we typically think about the effect they have on our brain, not our blood. But new research has revealed a surprising link between EMF exposure and the way red blood cells (RBCs) behave, which could potentially be affecting circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Two separate studies take a closer look at this connection between EMFs and red blood cells, each from a different angle. Together, this research suggests a real, physiological effect that’s worth paying attention to. 

To understand the results from a study conducted earlier this year by the Environmental Health Trust, published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, it’s important to first understand rouleaux formation. 

Under normal conditions, red blood cells carry a negative surface charge, known as zeta potential, which causes them to repel each other. This natural repulsion keeps blood flowing smoothly, with RBCs moving through even the tiniest capillaries.

When that surface charge weakens, red blood cells can start sticking together in stacks, like a pile of coins. This formation is known as rouleaux (French for “rolls”). The presence of rouleaux formations can temporarily increase viscosity, or thicken the blood, making it harder for oxygen to efficiently reach tissues.

In this study, researchers used ultrasound to observe blood flow in real time. Unlike older microscopy methods which required blood samples and could therefore introduce “handling artifacts” from improper techniques, ultrasound allowed the team to see changes directly in the subject’s veins without the risk of human error affecting the results. Researchers placed a standard smartphone on the back of a healthy adult volunteer’s knee for 5 minutes. Here’s what they found:

• Ultrasound scans before and after exposure showed new rouleaux formations in the popliteal vein (behind the knee), although the subject felt no symptoms.

• In one repeat test, rouleaux formations were also seen in the opposite leg that was not in direct contact with the cell phone, suggesting a whole-body effect.

• The rouleaux formations occurred with more than one phone model, indicating the effect wasn’t unique to a specific device.

Rouleaux formation increases blood viscosity, which can impact circulation and the delivery of oxygen. This study was limited to a single participant, but it still raises important questions about whether frequent cell phone use could trigger this change in blood flow.

Researchers at Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics, and Optics looked at how the Aires fractal resonator might affect red blood cells in patients with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that can change cell shape and slow circulation.

To conduct the study, the researchers placed prepared blood samples on the resonator and used laser diffractometry to see how easily the cells could change shape without being damaged, which is a sign of healthy flexibility. They also looked at swelling behavior in different salt concentrations, known as osmotic fragility. Healthy red blood cells can swell and shrink without bursting, while fragile ones easily break.

Across both phases of the study, researchers observed positive trends. In many cases, red blood cells exposed to the fractal resonator became more flexible and behaved more like healthy cells during swelling tests. Some samples showed greater improvement with longer exposure time to the Aires resonator, but results varied between patients.

The takeaway? Altering the blood sample’s environment with the Aires fractal resonator often coincided with red blood cells showing signs of improved flexibility, which supports healthier blood flow. Researchers noted that more studies with larger, more similar groups are needed to confirm these effects.

Taken together, these two studies give a broader look into how our electromagnetic environment may influence blood health. The research conducted by the Environmental Health Trust showed that exposure to EMFs can encourage rouleaux formation, potentially slowing circulation. The Saint Petersburg State University study explored how the Aires fractal resonator could influence red blood cell behavior in patients with multiple myeloma, which already affects blood flow. With the Aires resonator present, researchers observed trends toward healthier, more resilient blood cells.

Together, the findings suggest that while EMFs may temporarily disrupt blood flow, altering the surrounding electromagnetic environment could help maintain or restore healthier circulation patterns.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Illum neque eaque, autem sit soluta, voluptatum libero magnam tempore ullam at harum vel, ad reprehenderit, nemo veniam quas in voluptas hic. Lorem ipsum dolor, sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Natus id officia omnis suscipit aut architecto repellat a quia eaque reiciendis blanditiis perferendis hic, nihil, mollitia. Iste velit aperiam, numquam dolorem.

What does this mean for everyday life outside the research lab? If EMF exposure can influence red blood cell behavior, even temporarily, it’s worth thinking about the cumulative effects. Even if rouleaux formation is short-lived, frequent exposures could mean blood spends more time in a state of higher viscosity. Vulnerable populations such as people with existing cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or clotting risks could potentially be more affected.

This research doesn’t mean smartphones are “bad” or that EMF exposure is inherently dangerous for everyone, but it does highlight a potential way EMFs could be influencing circulation. 

Our world is growing increasingly connected, but there are simple ways to enjoy your tech while still supporting your well-being:

• Avoid carrying wireless devices directly on your body such as in your pocket or tucked into your waistband.

• Get into the habit of turning off the tech you aren’t using. Switching Wi-Fi routers off at night is a great way to reduce exposure and promote better sleep.

• Consider adding an Aires Lifetune One directly to your phone, or keep a Lifetune Flex on a necklace or attached to your keys. Instead of blocking EMFs, Aires devices support your body by restructuring surrounding EMFs into a more biologically friendly form.

Although they used different methods and test subjects, both studies highlight an important point. Even short-term EMF exposure can change how red blood cells behave, potentially affecting circulation.

As more studies are conducted with larger populations, we’ll gain a clearer picture of how significant these changes are, and what they mean for long-term health. In the meantime, understanding that our bodies are dynamic, electronically responsive systems can help us make more informed choices about how we use our tech.