Noise Pollution as a Cardiovascular Health Hazard

Tsaloglidou A., Koukourikos K., Pantelidou P, Katsimbeli A., Monios A., Kourkouta L.

Introduction: Noise pollution is a health hazard and induces both auditory and non-auditory effects. Extensive levels of noise are associated with a high risk of physiological changes such as hypertension, increased levels of heart beat rate, peripheral vasoconstriction and thus peripheral vascular resistance. Noise can trigger both endocrine and autonomic nervous system responses that in turn affect the cardiovascular system and may be a high risk for the appearance of cardiovascular disease. Aim: This retrospective study provides a comprehensive review of the new evidence linking noise pollution to cardiovascular risk. It considers some fundamental issues concerning noise and its consequences on the cardiovascular system. Method: An extensive review of the International literature was performed through the electronic databases Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar and the Association of Greek Academic Libraries Link (Heal-Link), using as key words the following terms: noise pollution, noise exposure, cardiovascular risk, hypertension. Results: Sleep deprivation or fragmentation is usually considered the most severe non-auditory effect of noise pollution, which in turn affects the cardiovascular system. Noise exposure is also associated with hypertension and consequently with other cardiovascular disease, the results from the literature, however, are inconclusive.  Conclusions: Noise pollution has many adverse effects on health and especially on the cardiovascular system. Understanding the harmful effects of noise pollution on cardiovascular health will help us to take all the appropriate measures to prevent or to reduce the possible health risks.