Recent research presented at the ESC Congress 2024 underscores the significant negative impact of urban noise pollution on heart health, particularly for individuals at low traditional risk of cardiovascular issues. Two independent studies conducted in European cities have revealed a strong correlation between noise exposure and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), as well as poorer health outcomes post-MI.
The first study, known as the DECIBEL-MI study, examined young patients aged 50 or under in Bremen, Germany, who had experienced a myocardial infarction. The findings revealed that these patients had been exposed to higher levels of noise compared to the general population. Notably, those with a low LIFE-CVD score—a measure of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking or diabetes—showed significantly higher levels of noise exposure. This suggests that urban noise may be a critical, yet under-recognized, risk factor for early-onset MI, especially in individuals who are otherwise considered to be at low risk.
Dr. Marianne Zeller, a professor from the University of Burgundy and the Hospital of Dijon, France, emphasized the importance of incorporating noise exposure into cardiovascular risk prediction models. “Traditional risk models might underestimate the cardiovascular risk in young individuals who are otherwise considered low risk. By including noise exposure, we can more accurately identify those at elevated risk for MI, allowing for better-targeted preventive measures,” she stated.
In a separate study conducted in France, researchers assessed the impact of environmental noise on the prognosis of patients after their first MI. The ENVI-MI study followed 864 patients who had survived an acute MI for at least 28 days. One year after the event, 19% of these patients had experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), such as cardiac death, stroke, or recurrent MI.
The study found that even moderate levels of noise exposure—measured at an average of 56.0 dB(A) over 24 hours and 49.0 dB(A) at night—were associated with a 25% increased risk of MACE for every 10 dB(A) increase in nighttime noise. This increased risk was independent of air pollution, socio-economic status, and other factors.
“These findings provide early evidence that noise exposure can adversely affect prognosis after MI. If confirmed by larger studies, our analysis could lead to new environment-based strategies for secondary prevention, such as installing noise barriers for high-risk MI patients,” Professor Zeller concluded.
The research highlights the urgent need for public health initiatives to address urban noise pollution as a significant factor in cardiovascular health, especially in populations that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional risk assessments.
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