A British study shows for the first time the concrete effects of constant aircraft noise on the heart. People exposed to this disruptive factor have a 32 percent increased risk of a heart rhythm disorder, heart attack or stroke.
Analyzing heart images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers found that the left ventricle of people living near airports is on average seven percent heavier than that of other people.
Health of airport residents examined
“As the aviation industry expands, there is growing concern in communities living near airports or under flight paths about potential impacts on quality of life and sleep,” write the authors of the study, led by Cristian Topriceanu of University College London. the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (“JACC”).
They analyzed heart images from 3,635 people living near one of the four major English airports – London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham – in a medical database – the UK Biobank.
Eight percent are exposed to an average of 50 decibels
After comparing noise data from the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the scientists calculated that eight percent of these participants were exposed to an average continuous noise level of 50 decibels or more. Three percent lived with nighttime aircraft noise of 45 decibels or more. For comparison: 50 decibels corresponds to a lively conversation.
The team determined the long-term risks caused by changes in the left ventricle using heart images and other data from 21,360 patients from the English database. When calculating the risk, the researchers took into account numerous other factors that can affect heart health, including gender, age, income, alcohol consumption, smoking, air quality and other sources of noise.
The exact effect is not yet clear
How exactly aircraft noise affects the cardiovascular system has not yet been definitively clarified. However, there is some evidence that this noise is linked to obesity and high blood pressure. “Between a quarter and a half of the association was attributed to a higher body mass index in participants exposed to more aircraft noise,” Topriceanu said in a statement from his university. In patients exposed to aircraft noise during the day, researchers attributed between nine and 36 percent of the difference to higher blood pressure.
The body can respond to high blood pressure by increasing the thickness of the heart muscle. In those affected by aircraft noise, a thickened heart wall accounted for most of the left ventricle, which was on average seven percent heavier. As a result, the heart becomes stiffer, is less able to stretch and its pumping capacity decreases. “Other factors that may be caused by a stress response to aircraft noise include sleep disturbances, inflammation and arteriosclerosis,” Topriceanu points out.
Source: Krone
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