From common sources such as automobile traffic, overhead planes, rail traffic, construction, industrial activities, and even loud recreational events, noise pollution is ubiquitous in modern-day lives. 

 

 

A widespread public health issue

 

The WHO recognized environmental noise as an “important public health issue” in its 2018 guidelines on environmental noise for the European region, stating that noise “has negative impacts on human health and well-being and is a growing concern.”

 World Health Organization. Environmental noise guidelines for the European Region. January 30, 2019.

The WHO has noted that at least 1.6 million healthy life years are lost annually due to traffic-related noise in Western Europe alone. 

 

These guidelines are relevant for the US as well, as evidenced by authors of a 2024 review in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which emphasizes that, along with water, soil, and light pollution, noise pollution increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Miller MR, Landrigan PJ, Arora M, et al. Water, Soil, Noise, and Light Pollution: JACC Focus Seminar, Part 2. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Jun, 83 (23) 2308–2323.

 

 

More recently, a review published in Circulation Research delineated the mechanisms by which noise pollution raises CVD risk, stating, “Traffic noise at night causes fragmentation and shortening of sleep, elevation of stress hormone levels, and increased oxidative stress in the vasculature and the brain. These factors can promote vascular (endothelial) dysfunction, inflammation, and arterial hypertension, thus elevating cardiovascular risk.”

Münzel T, Molitor M, Kuntic M, et al. Transportation noise pollution and cardiovascular health. Circ Res. 2024;134(9):1113-1135.

 

 

Other mechanisms and health impacts

 

Noise pollution has also been shown to be associated with worsening mental health, cognitive impairments, sleep disorders, increased irritability, and even adverse birth outcomes.

Furthermore, the reduced sleep quality and fragmentation caused by noise exposure increases sympathetic nervous system activity, which in turn increases risk for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which are also strong risk factors for the development of CVD.

Finally, as noted by authors publishing in the journal Current Problems in Cardiology, there appears to be disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis secondary to noise pollution, which also increases risk of CVD.

Krittanawong C, Qadeer YK, Hayes RB, et al. Noise exposure and cardiovascular health. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2023;48(12):101938.

 

Reducing noise exposure

So, what can be done about noise exposure? Mitigation strategies include raising awareness and advocating for change—both of which physicians are uniquely positioned to do—on local, state, national, and global levels. 

Physicians can also counsel their patients to take individual steps to limit noise exposure. These include advising patients on the importance of a quiet sleeping environment, using earplugs, installing double-paned windows, and seeking out quieter leisure activities. These measures can help in both primary and secondary prevention of CVD.

The growing body of evidence linking noise pollution to increased risk of CVD underscores the importance of recognizing noise as a significant environmental health hazard. 

As physicians, we have a responsibility to advocate for noise reduction measures in our communities and to educate our patients about the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic noise exposure. By taking proactive steps to mitigate noise pollution, we can help protect the heart health of our patients and our communities.