D’Souza J, Weuve J, Brook RD, et al. - In the United States, urban noise could elevate blood pressure (BP) levels and complicate hypertension treatment.

• Data from Chicago-based participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (≥65 years) and MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; ≥45 years) were obtained to determine links of urban noise with BP levels and control in the United States.

• From 6,764 participants (6,073 Chicago Health and Aging Project and 691 MESA), a total of 16,462 BP measurements were assessed over an average of 4 years.

• Higher BP levels and greater risk of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension were observed in relation to greater levels of noise, in both cohorts.

• Pooled models showed 1.2 and 1.1 mm Hg greater systolic and diastolic BPs as well as a 20% elevated odds of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (odds ratio per 10 dBA: 1.2) in relation to 10-dBA higher residential noise levels.