One study has shown that exposure to aircraft noise increases the risk of a heart attack and worsens subsequent outcomes. Photo: Depositphotos
Traffic noise can be one of the main causes of worsening of myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure, the leading cause of death worldwide. A recent finding in mice by researchers from the Department of Cardiology at the University Medical Center Mainz (Germany) showed that exposure to noise leads to an increased risk of aortic inflammation.
Specifically, the researchers examined the mechanisms that cause inflammation in the heart and blood vessels, and how exposure to aircraft noise affects those mechanisms. They exposed mice to aircraft noise 24 hours a day for up to four days, with an average noise of 72 dB and a peak of 85 dB. For comparison, a normal conversation is between 60 and 70 dB, an alarm clock is 70 to 80 dB, and a vacuum cleaner makes a noise of 60 to 80 dB.
The test showed that noise exposure alone caused inflammatory cells to stick to the tissues of the heart and blood vessels. Next, the researchers induced myocardial infarction in mice by cutting off one of the main blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. Mice exposed to noise before MI showed impaired cardiac function and a larger area of damaged myocardium after MI, due to an increased immune response.
Research demonstrates that noise alone can lead to an inflammatory response that negatively affects heart function. After MI, prior exposure to noise exacerbates the body’s response, causing more damage to the heart muscle and more weakness.
The researchers matched their findings with the findings of the Gutenberg Health Study, a long-term representative population survey of more than 15,000 people. They found that the two data sets were similar, meaning that the negative effect of aircraft noise on cardiac function shown in rats was also observed in humans.
Study lead authors Michael Molitor and Philip Wenzel commented: “We found from our studies that exposure to aircraft noise before MI significantly amplifies the cardiovascular inflammation that occurs. shortly thereafter, exacerbation of ischemic heart failure due to inflammatory vascular regulation. “Our results demonstrate that people who have been exposed to noise in the past have a worse prognosis if they develop an acute MI in later life.”
Cardiologist and noise expert Thomas Münzel concludes: “This is the first time a translational study has been performed to investigate the impact of aircraft noise on acute myocardial infarction. The results were great. Aircraft noise exacerbates ischemic consequences (left ventricular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress) in laboratory animals and humans. There is no doubt that traffic noise is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, comparable to hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking and diabetes.”
