Magnetic induction at 60 Hz in the human heart: a comparison between the in situ and isolated scenarios.

Numerical modelling is used to estimate the electric fields and currents induced in the human heart and associated major blood vessels by 60 Hz external magnetic fields. The modelling is accomplished using a scalar-potential finite-difference code applied to a 3.6-mm resolution voxel-based model of the whole human body. The main goal of the present work is a comparison between the induced field levels in the heart located in situ and in isolation. This information is of value in assessing any health risks due to such fields, given that some existing protection standards consider the heart as an isolated conducting body. It is shown that the field levels differ significantly between these two scenarios. Consequently, data from more realistic and detailed numerical studies are required for the development of reliable standards.