Noise: Hypertension
Association between Noise and Hypertension is inconsistent across studies
“...Inconsistent results about hypertension have been reported... The time of day appears to be critical to this association, where night-time noise exposure leads to more severe hypertension, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, collectively highlighting that sleep disruption is a critical component of the stress effects.” (Miller, et al., 2026)
B
B Relative risk for hypertension per 10 dB increase in Lden
HR curves for road noise and hypertension incidence
C Recommended sound pressure limits and mitigation measures
Average SPLoldnew outdoornew indoor
Lden53-55dB45dB35dB
Lnight45dB40dB30dB
To be achieved by
General: "Heart healthy city design", better management of traffic, sound isolation, night's rest must be protected (e.g. 10pm to 6am)
Aircraft: Optimized starting and landing protocols, no housing in protection zones around airports
Road and railway: Speed limits, sound barriers, whisper road surface, quiet tires and breaks
→ Recognizing noise as a significant environmental health risk factor