Cardiovascular effects of nocturnal aircraft noise on healthy volunteers

Abstract

Background: Nighttime aircraft noise can impair sleep quality and may also increase blood pressure and the risk for myocardial infarction for persons in highly noise exposed residential areas. Pathophysiology and possible susceptibility factors for cardiovascular effects of aircraft noise remain unclear. Methods and results: 75 healthy volunteers (mean age 26 y) were studied for three nights in their homes. One control pattern without noise (Control) and two noise patterns with 30 (Noise 30) or 60 (Noise 60) aircraft noise events were played back in random and blinded order. After each study night flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured the following the morning. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate and actimetric data were recorded continuously during noise exposure. Peak sound pressure levels were 60 dB(A) for both patterns, with Leq(3)= 43.1±4.9 dB(A) for Noise 30 and Leq(3)= 46.3±3.9 dB(A) for Noise 60. FMD (%) dose dependently declined from 10.4%±3.8%; (Control) to 9.7%±4.1% (Noise30) and 9.5±4.3% (p=0.052) after the night with 60 noise events (Noise 60). Effects on FMD were particularly evident if Noise60 followed after Noise 30, suggesting a possible priming through anticipation. BP rose from 109.8±15.4 mmHg to 114.9±13.9 mmHg in Noise 30 and to 115.2±12.4 mmHg in Noise 60. Average heart rate, heart rate variability and actimetry data did not differ between patterns. Adrenaline concentration increased from 28.6±11.4 ng/l to 33.0±16.9 (Noise 30) and 34.0±19.0 ng/l (Noise 60; p = 0.0099). Serum cortisol remained unaffected by noise exposure. Conclusion: In a low risk population a short exposure to nocturnal aircraft noise can impair endothelial function, increase adrenaline concentrations and blood pressure. Exposure to aircraft noise in prior nights seems to augment this effect.