Noise Pollution is a new-age environmental threat to health and heart which is more severe and widespread than ever before. It will continue to grow because of sustained growth in highways, rail, and air traffic-all of which remain major sources of environmental noise pollution.
Noise and Heart Attack Risk
A large urban Danish Study reported that for every 10dB increase in volume of road traffic noise exposure, there is a 12 percent increase in the risk of having a heart attack. The authors speculated that noise exposure may increase stress and sleep disturbances which in turn may lead to more heart attacks.
High noise levels can contribute to adverse effects on cardiovascular system, resulting in high BP, constriction of blood vessels and thereby increased incidence of coronary artery disease. It has been shown that exposure to moderately high levels of noise pollution during a single eight hour period causes a statistical rise in BP by 5-10 mmHg.
How Does Noise Pollution Harm Your Heart
Long-term exposure to traffic noises may account for approximately 3 percent of deaths from blockage of coronary arteries. One of the key mechanisms is elevation in the levels of stress hormones in blood, leading to high BP, stroke and heart failure. Chronic noise exposure also leads to health hazards beyond heart, such as hearing loss, diminished productivity, sleep disturbances and impaired learning etc.
Relation Between Aircraft Noise and Heart Disease
Two studies, published recently found an association between airport noise pollution and its effects on people living in the surrounding areas. Those living in near Heathrow airport in London had a significantly higher incidence of high BP and heart attacks compared to those living in low noise areas.
Noise Pollution in India
It is a major health problem in our country during festival season of Diwali, Navratri and Ganpati. Although government has fixed regulations against firecrackers and loud speakers but enforcement is extremely lax.
Air and noise pollution are thus important public health problems which can lead to multiple health issues, including detrimental effects on heart. With increasing urbanization and mechanization, the problem is assuming alarming proportion. The solution requires active cooperation of the society as well as law enforcing agencies.
PROF. D.S. Gambhir
MD, DM, FAMS, FCSI, FICC,
FCAPSC, FSCAI, FACC (USA)