Exposure to occupational noise and cardiovascular disease in the United States: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004

Abstract

Background Chronic exposure to occupational noise may be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension. However, findings are inconsistent and many previous studies are limited by small sample size and inappropriate control for potential confounders. We used a nationally representative US sample to examine associations of self-reported exposure to occupational noise with CHD and hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study included 6307 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999e2004, aged $20 years and employed at the time of interview. Noise exposure assessment was based on self-reported exposure to loud noise in the workplace. Results Compared with never exposed participants, subjects chronically exposed to occupational noise had a 2e3-fold increased prevalence of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, CHD and isolated diastolic hypertension. After adjustment for various covariates, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for angina pectoris, CHD and isolated diastolic hypertension were 2.91 (1.35 to 6.26), 2.04 (1.16 to 3.58) and 2.23 (1.21 to 4.12), respectively. There were clear exposureeresponse relationships for the observed associations. Associations of noise exposure with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and CHD were particularly strong for participants aged <50 years, men and current smokers. There was no significant increase in levels of cardiovascular biomarkers including blood lipids and circulating inflammatory mediators associated with noise exposure. Conclusions Chronic exposure to occupational noise is strongly associated with prevalence of CHD, especially for young male current smokers. This study suggests that excess noise exposure in the workplace is an important occupational health issue and deserves special attention.

Conceptual heuristic models of the interrelationships between obesity and the occupational environment

“…This model also illustrates complexities that can arise when risk factors impact each other. times greater prevalence of CVD, such as hypertension (130). Other findings strongly support the theory that noise exposure has an impact on hypertension, and some data suggest that hearing loss and hypertension severity is associated (131)(132)(133).…”

Occupational Noise Exposure in Relation to Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study in the Steel Factory

“…While some research concentrated on the sympathetic medullary axis and demonstrated elevated heart rate and blood pressure [22]. Chronic exposure to occupational noise has proven for extorting hypertension according to many previous studies [23][24][25][26][27][28]. Elevated risk of hypertension was shown between the subject who were exposed to high level of noise for longer duration and after adjustment for age, race, working years gradual increase in risk of hypertension was shown with the cumulative noise exposure of 85 dB and above [29].…”

Hipertensão arterial e trabalho: fatores de risco

“…Todos os oito estudos [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] retidos sobre ruído e hipertensão demonstraram alguma associação positiva, inclusive aqueles que foram analisados em combinação com outros fatores de risco ocupacionais (trabalho em turnos e solventes) 5,8,11 . No entanto, os resultados encontrados são variáveis com relação aos seguintes aspectos: medida de frequências de ruído, nível em decibéis e alteração de pressão sistólica e/ou diastólica.…”

“…Ademais, discute-se na literatura internacional a exposição a fatores ocupacionais como um risco independente para o desenvolvimento de hipertensão⁵- 27 . Alguns estudos apontam ruído⁵ -¹², trabalho em turnos 5,11,[13][14][15][16][17] e exposição a alguns agentes químicos [8][9][10][11] como associados ao aumento dos níveis pressóricos. Outros artigos relacionam o estresse no ambiente de trabalho 13,[18][19][20][21][22] como um fator biopsicossocial associado à hipertensão.…”