An analysis by the University Medical Center Mainz, presented in April 2026 at a congress for internal medicine specialists, reveals striking increases in heart failure and severe cardiac arrhythmias in communities within the Paderborn district that are heavily impacted by wind power. The study examined the municipalities of Borchen and Lichtenau in comparison to Delbrück and Hövelhof over the period from 2015 to 2024. The investigation was prompted by the question of whether infrasound acts as a potential risk factor linked to cardiac damage. The more heavily impacted communities host significantly more wind turbines. The analysis demonstrates statistical differences regarding new cases of these conditions. (tkp: 02.05.26)
Comparative Study with a Clear Data Basis
The researchers utilized billing data from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Westphalia-Lippe. This enabled them to systematically record newly diagnosed cases of heart failure and relevant cardiac arrhythmias. Borchen and Lichtenau were considered to be more highly exposed, while Delbrück and Hövelhof served as a comparison group. This selection was intended to minimize structural differences as much as possible.
At the same time, the authors ensured comparable age structures and general conditions. The data analysis was conducted retrospectively and in a standardized manner. This approach was intended to enhance the validity of the findings.
Cardiac Damage: A Striking Trend in Highly Affected Regions
In more heavily exposed municipalities, distinct increases in heart failure were observed. In Borchen, annual increases ranged between 21 and 51 percent. In Lichtenau, figures ranged from 20 to 68 percent. According to the analysis, these differences reached a high level of statistical significance.
Significant disparities between the regions were also observed regarding severe cardiac arrhythmias. The authors interpret these findings as indications of a potential link to environmental factors. At the same time, they emphasize that it is impossible to attribute cardiac damage to a single, isolated cause. Other influencing factors—such as lifestyle or pre-existing medical conditions—remain relevant.
Infrasound as a Potential Contributing Factor
Wind turbines generate infrasound through the rotation of their rotor blades. These vibrations fall below the threshold of human hearing; however, they exert a physical effect on the human body. Earlier laboratory studies conducted by the research group in Mainz demonstrated changes in cardiac muscle tissue when exposed to infrasound. Specifically, a reduction in contractile force was observed.
These experimental findings offer a potential biological explanation for the current observational data. Nevertheless, laboratory results cannot be directly extrapolated to real-world living conditions. For this reason, the researchers deliberately refer to these findings as indications rather than definitive proof. The potential link to cardiac damage remains a subject of ongoing research.
Context and Open Questions
The results provide a signal that should be taken seriously from both a medical and a political perspective. At the same time, this is an observational study that does not provide direct proof of causality; therefore, a nuanced assessment is required. To date, no scientific consensus exists regarding the health effects of infrasound.
Further studies involving longer observation periods are necessary. Furthermore, individual exposure levels need to be measured more precisely. As the expansion of wind energy continues, the discussion regarding potential cardiac damage is gaining in importance. Authorities and research institutions therefore face the task of establishing robust limit values and clear assessment criteria.