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

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