Researchers have found that traffic noises could increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
The international researchers have reviewed the epidemiological data that identify the risk factors of certain heart diseases and found that every 10 decibels increase in road traffic noise raises the risk of cardiovascular disease by 3.2 per cent, Business Standard reported.
Along with developing cardiovascular disease, traffic noise also adds to the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.
Thomas Mnzel, the lead author of the study published in the journal Circulation Research, said, “It is also important for us that traffic noise is now finally recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to the strong evidence.”
Moreover, the researchers discovered that the noise of traffic during the night that disrupts sleep time increases stress levels, blood pressure, inflammation and vascular disease.
Erecting noise barriers along with busy roads in densely populated area could significantly reduce noise level up to 10 decibels, researchers suggested.
Munzel urged, “With an increasing proportion of the population exposed to harmful traffic noise…. noise control efforts and noise reduction laws are of great importance for future public health.”
