Association and moderation of self-reported hypotension with traffic noise exposure: A neglected relationship

Abstract

In a short-term experimental study about one-third of subjects exposed to noise shows both increases and decreases in blood pressure. While the association of noise with hypertension is established it is not yet known whether hypotension is associated with noise in field studies. In a cross-sectional study the association of self-reported hypotension and low blood pressure readings with traffic noise was examined in adults (age 25-65, N = 1989, participation = 62%). Noise exposure was based on both, short and long-term day/night recordings and standard noise mapping. Questionnaire data on socio-demographics, housing, life-style, noise and weather sensitivity, health status, mental and physical symptoms were available to adjust for potential confounding and testing for moderation. Non-linear multiple regression was applied to estimate the association between the two outcomes and overall noise exposure. We did not observe a stable relation between noise and low blood pressure readings since the number of subjects based on the recommended cut-off points (5 th percentile or 110 (100)/60 mmHg) was too small. However, self-reported hypotension was non-linearly associated with noise exposure ( P = 0.044) in the presence of a strong sex × age effect modification ( P < 0.0001). Another significant moderation by noise were observed with reported symptoms of exhaustion ( P = 0.03). Weather sensitivity showed a significant interaction with noise sensitivity ( P = 0.02) and also a non-linear interaction with age ( P = 0.02). The results remained stable after adjustment for variables known to be associated with constitutional hypotension. The exposure-effect curve ascends around sound levels of 55 dBA. The results suggest a novel moderated association of noise with self-reported hypotension, predominantly in weather sensitive women with symptoms of exhaustion. Further and larger studies are needed to replicate the potential moderating effect of noise on persons with constitutional hypotension.

Hypotension and Environmental Noise: A Replication Study

“…On the smaller sample, which included anthropometric measurements, BMI was an additional strong predictor—replicating the role of lower BMI values in the noise-hypotension relationship we have observed in the previous analysis [ 41 ]. This distinct body habitus (low body mass, especially in young females) is a well known predictor of hypotension in clinical practice [ 2 ].…”

“…In addition BMI was highly significant in both outcome groups (see Supplementary Material, Table S1 ) and included in the model. BMI was an important variable also in the earlier analysis [ 41 ].…”

“…We took these pieces of evidence as a rationale to make a first evaluation whether hypotension (defined as reported diagnosis or by recorded blood pressure) may be associated with transportation noise in a large field survey. We found self-reported hypotension non-linearly associated with noise exposure in the presence of a strong sex×age effect modification [ 41 ]. However, no relation between noise and continuous blood pressure readings could be established at recommended cut-off points for hypotension.…”

Effects of environmental noise exposure on DNA methylation in the brain and metabolic health

“…However, the effect of noise exposure upon blood pressure is still inconclusive as both hypertension and hypotension has been reported (de Souza et al, 2015;Lercher and Widmann, 2013;Lercher et al, 2014). This inconsistency may be the product of limitations in adjustment for confounders such as air pollution exposure, which is a key risk factor for increased blood pressure.…”

A vision of the environmental and occupational noise pollution in Malaysia

“…[11] This pervasive form of noise pollution is routinely generated by the transportation sources, mainly motor vehicles, aircrafts and railway trains. [12] In particular, highway traffic has been cited as the most widespread source of noise, and the most prevalent cause of interference worldwide. The discomfort related to the continuous noise exposure may create an unpleasant condition, and hinder the hospitality on the point duty officers, toll plaza employees, and residential communities of the surrounding area.…”