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BIRMINGHAM: A new study in the US by Dr Wenqi Gan and colleagues has shown that prolonged exposure to loud noises in the work environment could multiply your risk of serious heart problems by up to three-fold compared to people that work in quieter places. These heart problems could include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and even heart attacks
The cases self-reported noise exposure in their work environment and the length of time they were exposed to such an atmosphere. The definition of a noisy workplace was taken to be if people had to raise their voices in order to have a conversation.
Compared with people never exposed to high levels of noise those that were exposed over long period, at least a year-and-a-half, in an occupational setting had a three times higher risk of angina, and were twice as likely to have heart attacks and high blood pressure. These results were particularly clear for male participants, those that smoked and were under 50 years of age.
Although there are some inconsistencies previous studies have also suggested that noise is a potential warning sign for heart problems. A German study published in the European Heart Journal by Willich et al in 2005 looked at over 4000 individuals and found that even environmental noises such as traffic could increase heart attack risk by two to threefold. It found that the loudness of the noise was more important than how irritating it was perceived to be. Urban middle-aged adults for example living close to heavy traffic roads were almost 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack compared to similar individuals that lived in quieter neighbourhoods.
There are a number of reasons postulated for this association. It is suggested that loud noise serves as a stress or danger signal for the body in a similar way to sudden emotional stress or physical exertion. Consequently it leads to hormonal reactions in the body, chemicals such as adrenaline are released. These chemicals act on different parts of the body including the heart and can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Even though such a response is normal in human beings, being subject to these stresses frequently or over a long period of time may lead to cardiovascular damage.
Clearly excess noise exposure is a significant health issue and needs special attention. Martin Halle, a professor at the University of Munich, who is part of the European Society of Cardiology initiative to promote healthy workplace environments said "Constant noise could evolve into a trigger for a heart event." He continued stating, “People working in loud places might have a higher level of stress hormones, which could then cause a plaque rupture leading to a heart attack” However, he makes it clear that noise is only one risk factor, and that we need to continue to be aware of other serious modifiable risk factors for heart disease such as smoking and obesity.
Dr. Yasmin Akram obtained her medical qualifications from Cambridge University and St Georges Hospital Medical School, University of London. She now practices medicine in Birmingham, UK.
