Study Links Airport Noise to Increased Heart Disease Risk

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on Wednesday, exposure to aircraft noise could increase the risk of cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, by two to four times.[1][2]
  • The study, led by University College London researchers, analyzed 3,635 people living near four major English airports and found that residents in high-noise areas showed 7% greater left ventricular mass and 4% thicker heart walls — making their hearts less efficient at pumping blood.[3][4]
  • The researchers examined individuals who resided near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester airports and compared their hearts with those living in lower aircraft noise areas. Nearly 21.4K heart MRIs were done at least three years after the observations.[5]
  • The study found that night-time exposure to aircraft noise above 45 decibels posed particular risks, potentially due to sleep disruption and increased time spent at home during these hours. The WHO recommends aircraft noise limits of 45 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.[6][7]
  • Dr. Gaby Captur, a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, cited previous animal experiments to suggest that aircraft noise can trigger stress responses, leading to increased blood pressure, disrupted digestion, and elevated cortisol levels.[6][8]
  • According to the National Council on Aging, the risk of hearing loss starts at around 70 decibels. Earlier research led by the University of Leicester estimated that approximately 5% of adults in England are exposed to aircraft noise exceeding 50 decibels during the day or night.[4][9][10]

Sources: [1]Independent, [2]AA, [3]American College of Cardiology, [4]ScienceDaily, [5]Healthday, [6]The National, [7]The Telegraph, [8]Earth.com, [9]Manchester Evening News and [10]NCOA Adviser.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Healthday. The evidence clearly demonstrates that living near airports poses serious health risks that require immediate attention to reduce aircraft noise. The structural changes in heart muscle and increased cardiovascular risks can't be ignored, especially given the millions of people affected by airport noise pollution.
  • Narrative B, as provided by The National. This study can't definitively prove causation between high levels of aircraft noise and differences in heart structure and function simply because its findings are observational. Other factors like lifestyle choices, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing conditions may produce these health outcomes.