A recent study has found that living near airports, where residents are exposed to high levels of aircraft noise, may pose significant risks to heart health.
The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggests that individuals regularly exposed to high aircraft noise face an increased risk of poor heart function, including a higher likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.
According to the study, individuals living closer to airports showed a 10% to 20% reduction in heart structure and function compared to those who moved to quieter areas. These individuals exhibited thicker, stiffer heart muscles, impairing the organ’s efficiency in pumping blood. Researchers warn that these changes in heart function could potentially quadruple the risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Gaby Captur, a senior clinical lecturer at University College London Institute of Cardiovascular Science, emphasized the growing body of evidence indicating that long-term exposure to aircraft noise can have a detrimental impact on overall health, particularly heart health.
The researchers also suggest that the continuous exposure to loud noises from nearby airports could have a cumulative effect, further exacerbating health issues over time.
This study highlights the need for further investigation into the broader health consequences of living near high-noise environments, urging increased awareness of the risks associated with such living conditions.
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