Recent Blog Articles

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Helping children make friends: What parents can do

Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?
Heart Health
How noise pollution may harm the heart
Research we're watching
Long-term exposure to traffic noise has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease. New research reveals additional clues about this connection.
Researchers studied nearly 500 adults over a five-year period and gathered traffic and aircraft noise data for each person's home address. After adjusting for other factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk (including air pollution), they found that every 5-decibel increase in the average 24-hour noise level was associated with a 34% increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart-related problems.
By using a specialized brain imaging technique, researchers showed that higher levels of noise exposure were associated with increased activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in processing stress, anxiety, and fear. Excess noise also increased inflammation in the arteries, a known trigger for cardiovascular problems. The findings were published Nov. 26, 2019, in the European Heart Journal.
People prone to heart disease should be aware that chronic noise exposure where they live may raise their risk, according to the study's lead author.
Image: burwellphotography/Getty Images
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!