Can Chronic Loud Noise Cause Heart Disease?

Exposure to occupational noise and cardiovascular disease in the United States: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004

Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to occupational noise may be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension. However, findings are inconsistent and many previous studies are limited by small sample size and inappropriate control for potential confounders. We used a nationally representative US sample to examine associations of self-reported exposure to occupational noise with CHD and hypertension.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 6307 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004, aged ≥20 years and employed at the time of interview. Noise exposure assessment was based on self-reported exposure to loud noise in the workplace.

Results: Compared with never exposed participants, subjects chronically exposed to occupational noise had a 2–3-fold increased prevalence of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, CHD and isolated diastolic hypertension. After adjustment for various covariates, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for angina pectoris, CHD and isolated diastolic hypertension were 2.91 (1.35 to 6.26), 2.04 (1.16 to 3.58) and 2.23 (1.21 to 4.12), respectively. There were clear exposure–response relationships for the observed associations. Associations of noise exposure with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and CHD were particularly strong for participants aged

I'm a heavy metal fan, and listen to it LOUD every day. If this report is true, I would have been dead a long time ago!

Here, fulltext for details... uploaded to a just created wordpress blog to host the pdf... ATS media unable to upload for some reason.

Exposure to occupational noise and cardiovascular disease in the United States: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004

If it's also true that stress can lead to heart disease, then it wouldn't surprise me if noise can.

A -> B -> C.

reply to post by NewlyAwakened


...which was my first thought as well. Somehow loud sounds illicit an evolutionary stress response. But, the abstract was pretty clear that there were no differences in inflammatory markers between the two groups. I'll check out the full text and post back anything I can find.

Originally posted by Rockerchic4God
I'm a heavy metal fan, and listen to it LOUD every day. If this report is true, I would have been dead a long time ago!

The difference is you're listening to it when you choose, and enjoying it.

It's possible loud machinery noises to which one is involuntarily exposed affect you quite differently to loud music which makes you happy.

The reverse is also true.
Leaning back comfortably and cuddling a purring cat over your heart can help heal heart disease. Cats are the great healers of this world if you love them, keep them healthy and cuddle them lots.

you guys such active imaginations!