If you live near an airport, the constant roar of jet engines can cause more damage than you realize. According to a new study, exposure to high levels of aircraft noise can have a significant impact on heart health, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and irregular heartbeat. According to researchers, prolonged exposure to high aircraft noise levels has a significant impact on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and irregular heartbeat.

The study, published Jan. 8 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people living near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester airports had 10 percent to 20 percent worse heart structure and function than those who lived near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester airports. Had gone away. ,

How does aircraft noise affect the heart?

Research showed that chronic exposure to loud airplane noise caused the heart muscles to become stiffer and thicker over time. These changes reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, quadrupling the risk of heart attack or stroke.

“Our findings add to the growing evidence that aircraft noise can have adverse effects on cardiovascular health and our health,” said Dr Gabby Capture, senior clinical lecturer at the Institute of Cardiovascular Science at University College London.

What the study found

The study used data from the UK Biobank, which included more than 3,600 participants living near major UK airports. The researchers analyzed MRI scans of the participants’ hearts and compared them to aircraft noise estimates provided by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

– Significant changes were observed in the heart of residents exposed to noise above 50 decibels during the day or 45 decibels at night.

– These noise levels exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of 45 decibels for day time and 40 decibels for night time.

– An increase in heart mass (7 percent) and heart wall thickness (4 percent) was observed in individuals exposed to loud aircraft noise.

The researchers also compared these findings to a larger sample of about 21,400 heart MRI scans. conclusion? The structural changes associated with aircraft noise substantially increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms.

Why is night noise more harmful?

Aircraft noise at night appears to have a particularly serious impact on health, primarily due to the impact on sleep quality.

“Aircraft noise at night affects sleep quality and can be an important factor affecting health,” said Anna Hansell, director of the Center for Environmental Health and Sustainability at the University of Leicester.

Noise pollution also triggers the body’s “fight or flight” stress response, increasing blood pressure and releasing cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause hunger and weight gain.

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James Leeper, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: “This innovative study reveals a potentially invisible impact for people living close to some of our biggest travel centres.”

Although the study does not definitively prove that aircraft noise directly causes cardiovascular problems, it strongly supports earlier research linking noise pollution to cardiovascular risks. More studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of chronic noise exposure.

What can be done?

Experts recommend taking steps to reduce the impact of aircraft noise. Installing soundproof windows, using noise-cancelling devices, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.

Residents near airports should also regularly monitor their heart health and consult healthcare providers if they experience symptoms such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath.

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