Aircraft noise linked to hypertension

This news item was added on 14th February 2008

People who live near to major airports may be at increased risk of heart disease and stroke, new research suggests.

A study by scientists at Imperial College London (ICL) found that the noise of aircraft travelling overhead increases a person's blood pressure, even while they are asleep.

Around ten million people in the UK suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.

Dr Lars Jarup, a researcher in ICL's department of epidemiology and public health, said that the findings highlight the need for reduced night-time aircraft noise in order to protect people's health.

He said: "Our studies show that night-time aircraft noise can affect your blood pressure instantly and increase the risk of hypertension."

The findings are based on analysis of 140 people who lived near to four major European airports, including London Heathrow.

The increase in blood pressure was found to be directly related to the intensity of the noise, with the average participant recording a 0.66 mmHg rise in systolic blood pressure for every five decibel increase in aircraft noise.