A recent article in Knowable Magazine, that was published on the BBC website, explores the connection between noise pollution and cardiovascular problems.
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Though noise pollution has previously been linked to hearing loss, a number of research studies from the last 10 years have increasingly suggested a connection between noise and heart ailments. According to the article, a study of people living near Frankfurt Airport in Germany found that they had a 7% increased risk of stroke as compared to those living in quieter neighborhoods and a second study found that people living near Switzerland’s Zurich Airport had an increase in nighttime mortality after a airplane flyovers.
As the article states, researchers believe that noise may cause inflammation to the the inner lining of arteries and blood vessels by initiating the “fight-or-flight” response in the amygdala. This stress response causes the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause arteries to contract and dilate and blood pressure to rise.
However, determining a direct cause and effect relationship between noise pollution and cardiovascular problems can be tricky, the article points out.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
Source: Knowable Magazine, BBC
