Is airplane noise bad for your heart?

Several studies have shown that chronic exposure to environmental noise, such as aircraft noise, can negatively affect the cardiovascular system.

Noise activates the autonomic nervous system and the stress hormone system, even when you are asleep. This can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure and the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Long-term exposure to noise, especially at night, can lead to increased blood pressure. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Noise can activate inflammatory processes in the body and cause oxidative stress, which is harmful to the blood vessels and the heart. Noise pollution, especially at night, can reduce the quality of sleep. Poor sleep is strongly linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

A large-scale study published in the journal The Lancet found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in people living in areas with high aircraft noise (more than 55 dB on average). The HYENA study found that people living close to airports are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

A British study found that long-term exposure to aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart problems in people living near airports. These people were also more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure. Other factors linked to living near an airport can also contribute to poorer heart health.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109724097973

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-01-08 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025