Can PEMF Therapy Help Your Heart? A Look at the Science

Blood Pressure Check

If you or a loved one has high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), or a family history of heart disease, you might be looking for ways to improve heart health. Traditional treatments like medications, exercise, and diet changes have been proven to reduce heart disease risk, but what about alternative therapies like Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy?

PEMF therapy is gaining attention as a non-invasive treatment for various health conditions, including cardiovascular health. But does it work? Let’s break down the evidence and see if it’s worth considering.

What Is PEMF Therapy?

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate cells and improve blood flow. The idea is that these electromagnetic pulses help blood vessels work better, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Example of a Bemer PEMF signal

Some PEMF devices, like the Bemer mat (BEMER therapy), are marketed specifically for improving circulation and heart health. While some studies show positive effects, PEMF therapy is NOT a replacement for traditional cardiovascular treatments.

How Might PEMF Therapy Help the Heart?

1. Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Research suggests that PEMF therapy may help:

• A study found that after 12 weeks of PEMF therapy, patients with high blood pressure had lower blood pressure readings and improved blood vessel function.

• This improvement was linked to better blood vessel flexibility and increased circulation.

  • READ THE RESEARCH:

  • Impact of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals.

  • Impact of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals.

  • A 1-μT Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field vs. Sham Control for Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension: A Double-Blind, Randomized Study.

    
    

🔹 But does it replace medication? No. Blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics have been tested in large clinical trials and are proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Cholesterol and Heart Disease Prevention

High cholesterol, especially LDL ("bad" cholesterol), can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. PEMF therapy has been studied for its effects on cholesterol levels:

• In animal studies, PEMF therapy was shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL ("good" cholesterol).

• Some research suggests PEMF therapy may also reduce oxidative stress, which plays a role in plaque formation.

  • READ THE RESEARCH

  • Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Bone Formation and Lipid Metabolism of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Rats Through Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway.

  • Alimentary Hyperlipemia of Rabbits Is Affected by Exposure to Low-Intensity Pulsed Magnetic Fields.

    
    

🔹 NOTE: Most of this research has been done on animals, not humans. Statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs have strong evidence proving showing they reduce heart attacks and strokes, thus PEMF is not a replacement for these treatments.

3. Helping Recovery After a Heart Attack

If you or a family member has had a heart attack, you might be looking for ways to help the heart heal. Some animal studies suggest PEMF therapy might help:

• Increasing new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), which helps restore blood flow to the heart.

• Reducing damage to heart tissue after a heart attack.

• Decreasing inflammation, which can help prevent further complications.

  • READ MORE

  • Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field Decreases Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Human Cardiomyocytes and Supports Their Metabolic Function.

  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Increase Angiogenesis and Improve Cardiac Function After Myocardial Ischemia in Mice.

  • Pulsed Magnetic Field Induces Angiogenesis and Improves Cardiac Function of Surgically Induced Infarcted Myocardium in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

    
    

🔹 NOTE: These studies are mostly in animals, not people. Standard heart attack recovery treatments, like cardiac rehab, aspirin, and beta-blockers, have strong evidence showing they reduce the risk of another heart attack.

Is PEMF Therapy Safe?

PEMF therapy is generally considered safe for most people, but there are a few concerns:

1️⃣ Long-term effects are unknown – Short-term studies show few risks, but we don’t yet know if long-term exposure to PEMF has any negative effects.

2️⃣ Possible interference with medical devices – If you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, PEMF therapy could interfere with how the device works.

3️⃣ Not a regulated medical treatment – Unlike medications, PEMF devices are not closely regulated, so quality and effectiveness can vary.

How Does PEMF Compare to Traditional Heart Treatments?

🔹 PEMF Therapy:

✔ May help blood circulation and blood pressure

✔ Shows potential for cholesterol improvement (in animals)

✔ Could support heart recovery after a heart attack (in animals)

✖ Lacks strong, long-term human studies

✖ Not included in official heart disease treatment guidelines

🔹 Traditional Heart Treatments:

✔ Blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers) lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

✔ Statins and cholesterol drugs are proven to reduce plaque buildup and prevent heart disease.

✔ Cardiac rehab and exercise improve circulation and strengthen the heart.

Who Might Benefit from PEMF Therapy?

While PEMF therapy is not a replacement for standard treatments, some people may find it helpful as an additional therapy:

🔹 People with mild high blood pressure who want to improve circulation naturally.

🔹 Those with poor circulation looking for non-invasive ways to improve blood flow.

🔹 Individuals recovering from a heart attack (but only with a doctor’s approval).

Final Thoughts: Should You Try PEMF Therapy?

PEMF therapy is an interesting, emerging technology that shows some potential for heart health. However, it is not yet proven to be as effective as traditional heart treatments.

Before trying PEMF therapy, consider these steps:

✅ Talk to your doctor, especially if you have a pacemaker or heart condition.

✅ Continue taking prescribed medications—PEMF should be used with, not instead of, standard treatments.

✅ Keep an eye on new research—scientists are still studying how PEMF affects heart health.

For now, the best way to protect your heart remains:

✔ Eating a heart-healthy diet

✔ Exercising regularly

✔ Managing stress

✔ Taking prescribed medications if needed

Would you like to discuss more proven ways to improve your heart health? Talk to your Physician or non-physician provider about PEMF.