Individuals living in proximity to airports and experiencing high levels of aircraft noise may face an increased risk of heart problems, which could lead to heart attacks, dangerous heart rhythms, and strokes, according to a recent study from researchers at University College London (UCL).
Individuals living in close proximity to airports and exposed to elevated noise levels from aircraft may be at a higher risk of experiencing heart issues, which can elevate the chances of heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and strokes, according to a fresh study conducted by UCL (University College London) researchers.
The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), analyzed extensive heart imaging data from 3,635 people residing near four major airports in England.
Within this cohort, the research team examined the heart conditions of individuals from locations with higher aircraft noise compared to those from quieter areas.
The study revealed that residents in regions with aircraft noise levels exceeding recommended guidelines exhibited stiffer and thicker heart muscles, which contracted and relaxed less effectively and were less proficient at circulating blood throughout the body.
This was particularly evident for individuals exposed to higher aircraft noise during nighttime, likely due to poor sleep and the fact that people are generally at home and more exposed to noise at that time.
Additional analyses showed that heart irregularities in individuals not subjected to aircraft noise might result in two to four times greater risk of experiencing significant cardiac events like heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, or strokes compared to those without such heart conditions.
Senior author Dr. Gaby Captur from the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London noted: “Since our study is observational, we cannot definitively conclude that high levels of aircraft noise are responsible for these changes in heart structure and function.
“However, our findings contribute to an increasing body of evidence indicating that aircraft noise can negatively impact cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
“It is crucial for government and industry to work together to lower our exposure to aircraft noise and lessen its effects on the health of countless individuals living near airports or beneath flight paths.”
Professor Anna Hansell from the University of Leicester expressed concern, saying: “We are worried that the types of abnormalities observed in relation to nighttime aircraft noise might lead to a heightened risk of heart disease and strokes. Nighttime aircraft noise is known to disrupt sleep quality, potentially influencing health negatively.
“While the impact of noise on heart health is still being studied, there are established methods to maintain heart health, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and adhering to prescribed medications such as those for lowering cholesterol.”
Additionally, noise in our surroundings can induce stress and activate the sympathetic nervous system (the system governing our “fight or flight” response), which can result in increased blood pressure, constriction or dilation of arteries, and slower digestive processes. It can also lead to the secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone, potentially leading to increased appetite and weight gain.
Aircraft noise is often perceived as more disruptive than road or rail noise, likely due to its louder, intermittent nature and unpredictability, making it difficult for individuals to acclimatize.
It is already established that exposure to elevated levels of aircraft noise is associated with increased blood pressure and obesity. The current study found that these factors significantly contribute to the relationship between aircraft noise and variations in heart structure and function.
Dr. Cristian Topriceanu, the first author from the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, stated: “Between 25% and 50% of the identified link was attributed to a higher BMI (body mass index) among individuals exposed to increased aircraft noise, while 9% to 36% of the link was associated with elevated blood pressure in participants exposed only to daytime aircraft noise.
“Other stress-responsive factors triggered by aircraft noise may include sleep disturbances, inflammation, and atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in arteries).”
In the study, researchers utilized data from the UK Biobank, comprising 3,635 participants who underwent detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their hearts and resided near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, or Manchester airports.
The researchers employed UK Civil Aviation Authority estimates to assess aircraft noise levels for areas spanning every 100 square meters. Higher aircraft noise was categorized as average levels exceeding 50 decibels during the day and average levels above 45 decibels at night (11 PM-7 AM). This exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of 45 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.
A subset of participants from the UK Biobank, specifically 8%, lived in areas with high daytime aircraft noise, with 3% exposed to high nighttime noise.
When comparing heart conditions of individuals from higher versus lower noise areas, the research team accounted for various factors that could influence results, including age, gender, BMI, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise, as well as exposure to road and rail noise and air pollution.
The heart MRIs were conducted at least three years following the assessment of aircraft noise in participants’ neighborhoods.
The findings indicated that participants residing in high aircraft noise areas exhibited approximately 10-20% worse heart structure and function compared to those who relocated away from these noise-affected regions.
The researchers also analyzed a separate group of 21,360 individuals who underwent comprehensive MRI scans of the heart as part of the UK Biobank research to explore the potential risk of significant adverse cardiac events linked to heart abnormalities associated with increased aircraft noise.
The results indicated that an individual with such heart irregularities may face up to four times the risk of experiencing events like heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, or strokes.
Past research from the University of Leicester estimated that approximately 5% of adults in England are subjected to aircraft noise levels exceeding 50 decibels during either daytime or nighttime.
Professor James Leiper, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, stated: “For many, an airplane signifies a chance for a well-deserved break. However, this innovative study highlights the potentially hidden adverse effects for those living near major travel hubs.
“While such observational studies cannot confirm cause and effect, they reinforce previous findings regarding the harmful effects of noise pollution on heart health. Additional research is necessary to further investigate the long-term impact of aircraft noise on the health of those experiencing the highest exposure.”
The research was supported by funding from various organizations, including the Medical Research Council, British Cardiovascular Society, British Heart Foundation, a UCL Charlotte and Yule Bogue Research Fellowship, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
*Heart thickening refers to the enlargement of heart muscle cells and thickening of the heart chamber walls. Such thickening is detrimental, as it leads to a stiff heart muscle over time, impeding blood circulation instead of enhancing it.
