Noise from traffic increases risk of heart disease

Increase in noise from the traffic can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, according to a new research.
For every 10 decibel increase in noise coming from road traffic, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke and diabetes, heightened by 3.2 per cent, the researchers found.
The night-time traffic noise that disrupts and shortens sleep time can increase levels of stress hormones in the blood vessels, thereby promoting inflammation, high blood pressure and vascular diseases, the researchers said.
Thomas Mnzel, senior Professor at the University Medical Centre Mainz, Germany, and lead author of the study published in the journal Circulation Research, said, “Noise from traffic is finally recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to the strong evidence”.
The researchers suggested strategies for local authorities to mitigate noise from road, rail and air traffic. Erecting noise barriers along busy roads in densely populated areas can significantly reduce noise levels up to 10 decibels, they said.
Constructing roads using noise-reducing asphalt has been shown to reduce levels by 3-6 decibels, the authors said. Other strategies they suggested included limiting driving speed, and developing and promoting the use of low-noise tyres.
“Noise control efforts and noise reduction laws are of great importance for future public health,” Mnzel said.
At the individual level, the researchers recommended using bicycles, shared rides and public transport for lowering urban road traffic noise.