Road rage has become a common issue, with drivers experiencing stress and anger leading to aggressive behaviour. However, the impact of such behaviour extends beyond those in the vehicle, with the noise pollution caused by honking horns and revving engines causing sudden rise in blood pressure of individuals living near the roads. So it turns out right: traffic noise causes sudden rise in blood pressure. A recent study published in JACC Advances found a significant link between road noise and an increased risk of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It is crucial to recognize the potential health risks associated with road noise and take steps to mitigate its impact on individuals’ health.1,2
Revving engines and hypertension: how traffic noise causes sudden rise in blood pressure1,2
- A study analyzing data from UK Biobank found that people living near traffic noise are more likely to develop hypertension, with a “dose-dependent relationship” between the amount of noise and the risk of high blood pressure.
- The study followed almost 250,000 people aged between 40 and 69 who started the survey without hypertension and estimated road traffic noise based on their residential address and the Common Noise Assessment Method.
- After a median of 8.1 years, more than 21,000 participants had developed high blood pressure. The study is notable for exploring the relationship between noise level and air pollution on high blood pressure, according to cardiologist Jim Liu, who was not involved in the research. He suggests that any factor that triggers stress in the body could affect blood pressure.
Combined exposure to air pollution and traffic noise increases hypertension risk1
Millions of people worldwide die annually due to air pollution, which is associated with sudden rise in blood pressure with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Recent research indicates that individuals exposed to high traffic noise are at a slightly greater risk of developing high blood pressure, even after controlling for exposure to air pollutants. The research has been commended for its attempt to differentiate the impact of traffic noise from other variables in the results. The research contributes to an expanding collection of studies examining the link between noise and its impact on the cardiovascular system. Hence the sudden rise in blood pressure.
Measuring noise exposure is tricky due to multiple factors1
Although the study’s findings support the notion that exposure to road traffic noise adversely affects sudden rise in blood pressure and indicates public health measures, some limitations must be acknowledged. One of these limitations is using a model based on an individual’s home address to estimate noise pollution, which does not consider variables such as the amount of time spent at home. Additionally, the noise level was only measured at the outset, and outdoor noise levels may not necessarily reflect indoor noise levels. Consequently, more research is needed to explore the underlying processes that connect exposure to road traffic noise and hypertension.
Silencing the streets: Tips for overcoming road traffic noise1
- Reducing traffic noise levels can be beneficial in mitigating the adverse health effects of road noise, mainly when the noise is significant enough to cause considerable annoyance to an individual.
- The doctor suggested that noise prevention methods include moving away from the noise, reducing volume, and blocking noise with insulation materials or hearing protection devices such as earplugs or earmuffs.
- Active noise cancellation devices work by creating opposing sound waves, while noise machines or noise masking are less likely to help as they only add to overall noise exposure. Choosing a device that fits well and has a high noise reduction rating is essential.
Conclusion
Road noise has significantly impacted individuals’ health, specifically causing a sudden rise in blood pressure and increased risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The findings emphasize the importance of reducing noise levels and mitigating their impact on an individual’s health, including using noise-cancellation devices, insulation materials, and ear protection. Recognizing the potential health risks associated with road noise and taking proactive measures to protect individuals’ health is crucial.
References
- Upham B. Loud Road Noise Linked to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure. Everyday Health. [Cited: 27 March 2023]. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/hypertension/loud-road-noise-linked-to-increased-risk-of-high-blood-pressure/#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20published%20on,for%20heart%20attack%20and%20stroke.
- Woodyatt A. You were right — traffic noise is indeed pushing up your blood pressure. [Cited: 27 March 2023]. CNN Health. Available from: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/22/health/road-noise-blood-pressure-intl-scli-scn-wellness/index.html
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