Living near an airport could increase risk of heart attack, study shows

London: A new study has found that living near airports might be bad for your heart. Researchers from University College London discovered that the noise from planes can increase the risk of heart issues.

They looked at data from over 3,600 people living near major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. Those exposed to more aircraft noise had thicker heart muscles, which can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Interestingly, the risk was higher for those who faced noise at night. This could be because nighttime noise disrupts sleep, and people are more likely to be home and awake during those hours.

In fact, the study suggests that people with heart abnormalities linked to noise exposure could face a four-fold increase in the risk of heart attacks or other serious heart events.

Dr. Gaby Captur, a senior author of the study, mentioned that while they can’t definitively say noise causes these heart issues, the evidence is growing. She emphasized the need for action from both the government and the aviation industry to help reduce noise pollution.

Previous research has also connected high aircraft noise to problems like high blood pressure and obesity. It’s estimated that around 5% of adults in England deal with noise levels over 50 decibels, which can be quite disruptive.

Professor James Leiper from the British Heart Foundation pointed out that while many see planes as a gateway to vacations, this study highlights the hidden dangers for those living near busy airports.

He added that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of aircraft noise on heart health, especially for those most affected.

The study was backed by several organizations, including the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation.

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