Nowadays, cities are getting busier with traffic. The noise from vehicles is causing severe sound pollution. Recent research shows that traffic sounds can increase the risk of heart diseases. It's not just annoying; it affects your heart's functioning.
Researchers found that the risk of heart diseases increases due to traffic noise. Studies have shown that noise from roads, trains, and planes can lead to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and diabetes.
Traffic Noise Leads to Health Problems š¦
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traffic noise causes over 1.6 million healthy life years to be lost annually in Western Europe. Especially at night, traffic noise disrupts sleep, increasing stress hormones and affecting blood vessels and the brain. This leads to inflammation in blood vessels and high blood pressure, eventually increasing heart problems.
Heart Risk Increased by 3.2% Due to Traffic Noise š
Scientists from Denmark, USA, Switzerland, and Germany studied how traffic noise affects heart health. Published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Research Journal, the study reviewed many findings. They found that for every 10 decibels (dBA) of traffic noise, the risk of heart problems increased by 3.2%. They also examined how noise affects genes and metabolism in the body. Researchers confirmed that heart problems have increased due to noise.
Airplane Noise and Heart Disease Risk āļø
Different cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems, including chronic coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, arterial hypertension, stroke, and heart failure, are linked to noise. The study found that nighttime airplane noise is associated with stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome. Stress responses significantly raise blood pressure, weakening vascular functions.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, a large portion of the population is still exposed to harmful traffic noise. Sound control efforts and noise reduction laws are crucial for public health in the future, said Dr. Thomas Menzel from the University Medical Center Mainz. He emphasized the need for good traffic laws and strategies to reduce noise and protect our hearts.
