Noisy Airports: A Silent Threat to Heart Health

Did you know living near airports can hurt your heart? A recent study found people exposed to high aircraft noise might face poor heart function, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats. Scientists from the University College London discovered that those living close to airports like Heathrow or Gatwick had hearts that were 10% to 20% worse in structure and function, compared to others who moved away from the noise. The heart muscle of these residents grew stiffer and thicker over time, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can quadruple the risk of heart attacks or strokes. The researchers used MRI scans from the UK Biobank health project, involving over 3, 600 people. They compared these scans with aircraft noise estimates and found that high noise (more than 50 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night) can increase heart mass by 7% and thickness by 4%, leading to impaired heart function.Using a larger sample of nearly 21, 400 MRI scans, the team found that people with these heart changes had four times the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or irregular heart rhythms. Nighttime noise especially affects sleep quality, which can be a crucial factor in health. Loud noises trigger the body's stress response, raising blood pressure and slowing digestion. The stress hormone cortisol can also increase appetite and cause weight gain. "This study shows the hidden impact on those near major airports, " said James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation. While the study doesn't prove direct cause and effect, it adds to existing research on noise pollution's damaging effects on heart health. More studies are needed to understand the long-term impacts.