Why Noise Pollution is Bad for the Heart

While you’re probably aware that prolonged exposure to loud noises can eventually lead to permanent hearing damage, what you may not know is that noise pollution also can hurt your heart.

Studies show that noise can affect the heart at as low as 50 to 60 decibels. That’s equivalent to what you might hear from inside a car when you’re driving 60 miles per hour.

The louder the noise and the longer your exposure, the higher the heart health risks. In fact, a European Heart Journal study found that even a five-decibel increase in noise over a day can raise heart health risks by 34%.

That’s because bodies perceive loud noises as threats, causing spikes in cortisol, adrenaline, inflammation and blood pressure. This triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Those conditions can damage the endothelium—a lining in the blood vessels that helps control blood flow. Over time, that endothelial wear can contribute to plaque buildup and lead to heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular issues.

Excessive noise is also associated with co-morbidities for heart disease, such as obesity and diabetes. That may be because people living in areas with a lot of noise pollution are less likely to:

Exercise. A review of studies found that people are 8% less likely to start a new exercise routine and 12% less likely to continue an established one in areas with high levels of road noise. They’re also more likely to consume alcohol and 14% more likely to smoke.

Sleep well. Noise pollution disrupts circadian rhythm and time spent in REM sleep. Because our blood pressure stays elevated under loud conditions, nighttime noise exposure has also been found to be more harmful to health than daytime exposure.

The unfortunate news is that even if you become psychologically accustomed to constant noise pollution, you never become physiologically used to it. In other words, your body can’t just “tune it out.”

That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your ears and your heart by:

Covering your ears. Use earplugs or earmuffs while at concerts, movies, sporting events and firework shows. And don’t forget to protect your ears when driving a motorcycle and using power tools or lawn equipment, too.

Keeping the volume down. Never exceed 60% of your device's maximum volume, and take a break from your favorite music and shows at least once an hour.

Soundproofing. If you live on a noisy street, replacement windows, thick curtains and weatherstripping can help block sound from entering your home.

Remember, while you may not be able to control where the noise is coming from, you can still protect your ears and your heart.

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