from European Heart Journal
Road traffic noise has been associated with increased blood pressure and the more obvious sleep problems, but a new study shows a link with strokes and reduced life expectancy. British researchers studied road traffic noise during the day and also at night and compared the level of noise in each geographical section of London over seven years. Adults living in the noisiest areas were five percent more likely to be treated for a stroke compared to those living in quieter areas. However, hospitalization for stroke was nine percent higher among the elderly in the same noisiest area. Researchers reported in the European Heart Journal that the findings are consistent with other studies linking road traffic noise and hypertension, which is a leading cause of stroke.