Air pollution can raise the risk of heart attack – and so may persistent noise, researchers have warned.
A major study of air pollution was revealed at a European conference – while a study of aircraft noise is reported separately today.
"In the last few decades there has been a worrying increase in air pollution," says Dr Savina Nodari from Brescia, Italy. "Regardless of local environmental and social policies to approve air quality, the negative effect of air pollution continues to be an important public health problem."
Her study looked at the link between levels of PM10, a marker of general air pollution, and the risk of acute heart events. Information was taken on hospitalisations for cardiac events (acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation) and average daily concentrations of PM10 in Brescia during 2004 to 2007.
Analysis showed a significant link between PM10 levels and admission for acute cardiovascular events. There was a 3% rise in admissions for every ten microgram increase in PM10. Details are presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013, which is held from 12-14 October in Madrid, Spain.
A separate study has found that high levels of aircraft noise are linked to increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease. The link was seen for both hospital admissions and death rates.
The researchers used figures on about 3.6 million residents living near Heathrow airport in London. Hospital admissions for stroke were 24% higher in the noisiest areas compared with the quietest. The rate for coronary heart disease 21% higher, and for cardiovascular disease it was 14% higher. Rates of mortality were similarly raised.
In the British Medical Journal today, the authors point out that the impact of night-time noise may be much greater than daytime noise, as it can disrupt sleep.
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “These preliminary findings throw up some interesting questions about aircraft noise pollution and its impact on heart health.”
Hansell, A. L. et al. Aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease near Heathrow airport in London: small area study. BMJ 9 October 2013 doi: 10.1136/bmj.f5432 [abstract]
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