Living near an airport can increase the risk of a heart attack, research shows
Living close to an airport can significantly increase your risk of heart attack.
Scientists have discovered that the thunderous noise of airplanes leads to an increased risk of poor heart health.
University College London studied heart image data from 3,635 residents near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester airports.
The study showed that residents had more heart defects than those who were not exposed to a lot of aircraft noise.
The imaging showed thicker and stiffer heart muscles in comparison.
These abnormalities caused blood to be pumped less efficiently through the body – and could quadruple the risk of heart attacks, life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and stroke.
UCL cardiologist Dr Gaby Captur said: ‘Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that aircraft noise can negatively impact heart health and our health in general.
“Coordinated government and industry efforts are needed to reduce our exposure to aircraft noise and mitigate its impact on the health of millions of people living near airports or under flight paths.”
Living close to an airport can significantly increase your risk of heart attack
Scientists have discovered that the thunderous noise of airplanes leads to an increased risk of poor heart health
Many airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow, offer financial support for home improvements to reduce aircraft noise, including soundproofing and double glazing.
Previous studies have also linked high levels of aircraft noise to high blood pressure and obesity.
And research led by the University of Leicester estimated that around 5 percent of adults in England were exposed to aircraft noise above 50 decibels.
Professor James Leiper, associate professor of research at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Although observational studies such as this cannot prove cause and effect, these findings add to previous research showing the harmful impact of noise pollution on our heart health.’