Noise is unpleasant, but it can also be harmful to your cardiovascular health. At least, that’s according to researchers whose study of the latest epidemiological data was just published in a journal. Traffic Research.
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Epidemiological evidence shows that traffic noise (as well as railway or airborne noise) increases the risk of mortality in general, but primarily associated with cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure or cardiovascular disease. cardiac ischemia.
But night traffic noise can have a particularly significant effect:
- Interruptions and reduced sleep time
- Increased stress-related hormones.
- Increased oxidative stress in the vascular system and brain, which ultimately leads to increased production of free radicals – substances that are harmful to healthy human cells and contribute to the development of certain diseases.
These three factors can contribute to the development of vascular disorders, inflammation and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In their work, the scientists note that noise can also affect genes (genetic networks), epigenetic processes (changes in gene activity), circadian rhythm, the vascular system and brain, oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolism.
Another lesson from the study: For every additional 10 decibels (dBA), the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure increases by 3.2%.
Recognize noise as a risk factor
“With a growing proportion of the population exposed to harmful road noise even after the Covid-19 pandemic ends, noise control efforts and laws to reduce noise are important for the future of public health.“, says Professor Dr. Thomas Münzel, lead author of the study. It is also important to us that road traffic noise is finally recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease through strong evidence.”
Scientists hope that this request for recognition will be heeded by government authorities, since this is a serious public health problem. In Ile-de-France alone, in the densely populated area of Ile-de-France, 85% of residents, or 8.6 million people, are exposed to road noise levels exceeding 53 dB(A) during the day, depending on weather. Shumparif.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that at exposure levels above 40 dB(A) at night and 50-55 dB(A) during the day, extra-auditory noise effects may occur: sleep disturbances, discomfort, increased cardiovascular risks, difficulty concentrating attention and learning delays“, marked Buitparif.
Informational portal our surroundings Note that “at least one million years of healthy life will be lost every year due to road noise“
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