The association between noise exposure and blood pressure and ischemic heart disease: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

It has been suggested that noise exposure is associated with blood pressure changes and ischemic heart disease risk, but epidemiologic evidence is still limited. Furthermore, most reviews investigating these relations were not carried out in a systematic way, which makes them more prone to bias. We conducted a meta-analysis of 43 epidemiologic studies published between 1970 and 1999 that investigate the relation between noise exposure (both occupational and community) and blood pressure and/or ischemic heart disease (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes 410-414). We studied a wide range of effects, from blood pressure changes to a myocardial infarction. With respect to the association between noise exposure and blood pressure, small blood pressure differences were evident. Our meta-analysis showed a significant association for both occupational noise exposure and air traffic noise exposure and hypertension: We estimated relative risks per 5 dB(A) noise increase of 1.14 (1.01-1.29) and 1.26 (1.14-1.39), respectively. Air traffic noise exposure was positively associated with the consultation of a general practitioner or specialist, the use of cardiovascular medicines, and angina pectoris. In cross-sectional studies, road traffic noise exposure increases the risk of myocardial infarction and total ischemic heart disease. Although we can conclude that noise exposure can contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the evidence for a relation between noise exposure and ischemic heart disease is still inconclusive because of the limitations in exposure characterization, adjustment for important confounders, and the occurrence of publication bias.

A Study of Riders' Noise Exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit Trains

“…Our L eq and L max measures indicate exposure to very loud noise for periods somewhat comparable to the daily ranges associated with increased cardiovascular and psychosomatic health risks. 10,12,15,17,18,20,[33][34][35][36][37] However, we warn that these studies generally treated periodic exposures throughout the day, such as those due to proximity to rail systems or traffic. Most BART trips are likely to extend beyond one line segment; for round-trip commuters, such exposure will double in the course of a day.…”

Community Noise Exposure and its Effect on Blood Pressure and Renal Function in Patients with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease

“…9 In contrast to hypertension, fewer studies have looked into the association between RTN and blood pressure (BP), showing close-to-null results and lack of a clear exposure-response relationship in the general population, possibly due to exposure misclassifi cation and effect modifi cation by antihypertensive mediation use. [10][11][12][13][14] Several Bulgarian studies conducted in Sofi a evidenced higher prevalence of hypertension and higher BP in people exposed to day-evening equivalent noise level (L eq 6-22 h ) > 60 dB, but they are dated (2000 -2001) and reported unadjusted results. [15][16][17][18] Also of note, previous studies focused on the general population, rather than on patients with prior diagnosis with CVD, who are arguably more susceptible to the deleterious effect of RTN.…”

Metabolic Syndrome in Female Workers From a Textile Mill: Effect of Noise

“…Dzhambov and Dimitrova supported these findings by observing similar findings and reported a positive association between occupational noise and increased BMI [17]. Stress due to general high noise pollution and occupational noise can lead to increase BP, irritation, and sleep disturbance [18]. Similarly, a study from China reported the positive association between occupational noise and hypertension while studying on workers from automobile company [19].…”