Living near an airport and being exposed to the noise of planes taking off and landing could increase your risk of suffering a heart attack, according to a study by University College London (UCL). The research team found that those living in areas with higher aircraft noise had stiffer and thicker heart muscles that were less efficient at pumping blood around the body.
This was particularly true for those exposed to higher aircraft noise at night, which researchers believe may be due to disrupted sleep. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analysed heart imaging data from 3,635 people living near Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester airports.
Birmingham Airport has provided a sound insulation scheme in the past. It saw eligible households in areas affected by aircraft noise provided with sound-reducing glazing.
READ MORE: Increased Birmingham Airport night flights review sparks consultation row as neighbour says ‘appalled’
As part of the latest study separate analyses of people not exposed to aircraft noise found these types of heart abnormalities could result in up to a four-fold increased risk of events such as a heart attack or stroke. Dr Gaby Captur from the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and consultant cardiologist at Royal Free Hospital in London said: “Our study is observational so we cannot say with certainty that high levels of aircraft noise caused these differences in heart structure and function.
“However, our findings add to a growing body of evidence that aircraft noise can adversely affect heart health and our health more generally.” She went on to stress the need for action saying: “Concerted efforts from Government and industry are needed to reduce our exposure to aircraft noise and mitigate its impact on the health of millions of people who live close to airports or under flight paths.”
Earlier research has shown potential negative effects of aircraft noise, with links suggesting correlations to higher blood pressure and obesity. A study by the University of Leicester indicated that around 5% of adults in England might be exposed to aircraft noise above 50 decibels day or night.
Adding to the discussion, Professor James Leiper from the British Heart Foundation remarked: “For most of us, a plane is seen as a ticket to some well-deserved rest and relaxation.”
Yet, he highlighted an unseen consequence: “But this innovative study reveals the potential invisible impact for those living close to some of our biggest travel hubs.”
He concluded with a cautionary note on the research: “While observational studies like this can’t prove cause and effect, these findings add to previous research showing the damaging impact of noise pollution on our heart health.”
Further research will be needed to investigate the longer-term effects of aircraft noise on the health of those with the highest exposure.”
The investigation was backed by finance from esteemed bodies including the Medical Research Council, British Cardiovascular Society, British Heart Foundation, UCL with its Charlotte and Yule Bogue Research Fellowship, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.