A recent report revealed that living near airports and being exposed to high levels of aircraft noise could increase the risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks, potentially deadly arrhythmias, and strokes.
This is the main conclusion of an observational study led by researchers from University College London (UCL), whose findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. To reach this conclusion, the team analyzed data from cardiac images of 3,635 people residing near four major airports in England: Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Comparing the cardiac images of those living in areas with different noise levels, the researchers found that people exposed to levels above the recommended levels showed significant alterations in the structure and function of the heart. In fact, the experts noticed that these individuals had stiffer heart muscles, less capable of contracting and expanding properly, which decreased their efficiency in pumping blood.
The study results showed that the effects were particularly pronounced in those exposed to higher nighttime noise, probably due to sleep disruption and the fact that many people stay home at night, increasing their noise exposure. What is concerning is that these cardiac abnormalities could multiply the risk of experiencing serious episodes by two to four times such as heart attacks, dangerous heart rhythms, or strokes, compared to those without such alterations.
Aircraft noise has a negative impact on the heart.
Mechanisms behind cardiac damage
Environmental noise, including noise from aircraft, can affect health in various ways. In addition to disturbing sleep, it can trigger stress responses that overactivate the sympathetic nervous system. This raises blood pressure, causes changes in the arteries, and slows down digestion. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is also released, which can increase appetite and contribute to weight gain.
Moreover, hypertension and obesity have long been associated with exposure to high levels of aircraft noise. It is worth mentioning that these diseases play a key role in the observed differences in cardiac structure and function in this study.
Study Results and Additional Analysis
Data from the UK Biobank showed that 8% of the participants lived in areas with high daytime noise levels, while 3% were exposed to high noise levels at night. Those who remained in areas with higher aviation noise presented between 10% and 20% worse structural and functional heart performance compared to those who had moved to quieter areas.
In an expanded sample of 21,360 people from the same biobank, the study assessed how noise-associated cardiac abnormalities affect the risk of serious cardiac events. The results indicated that an individual with these alterations could have up to four times more likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, arrhythmia, or stroke.
Although the study is observational in nature and cannot establish a direct causal relationship, its results reinforce the evidence that aircraft noise could have a significant negative impact on heart health. According to the lead author, Gaby Captur, a cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, these findings underscore the need to address the effects of environmental noise on public health.
Consequences of Environmental Noise
Environmental noise, or noise pollution, can have negative consequences on people’s health and ecosystems:
- Hearing: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause hearing loss.
- Cardiovascular System: Noise can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Metabolic System: Noise can affect the metabolic system.
- Sleep Disorders: Noise can cause sleep disorders, as sleeping in noisy environments can disrupt sleep.
- Stress: Noise can cause stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and hysteria.
- Concentration: Noise can impair concentration and memory, affecting academic and work performance.
- Psychological Effects: Noise can trigger headaches, irritability, aggression, and anxiety.
- Nervous System: Noise activates the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Regarding ecosystem effects, noise can cause stress, malnutrition, disorientation, or, in extreme cases, death in animals.
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