Airport noise linked to increased heart health risks, study finds

People living near airports and exposed to high levels of aircraft noise may face greater risks of poor heart function, according to research published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology.

A study led by University College London examined data from 3,635 residents near four major British airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester – comparing heart structure and function between those in high and low aircraft noise areas.

After adjusting for health and lifestyle factors, researchers found that residents exposed to above-recommended aircraft noise levels showed signs of stiffer and thicker heart muscles, with reduced ability to contract and expand.

The impact was particularly pronounced in those exposed to higher aircraft noise at night.

In separate analyses of 21,360 people not exposed to aircraft noise, these types of cardiac abnormalities were associated with a two to four-fold increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attacks, strokes, and life-threatening arrhythmias.

While researchers emphasised the observational nature of the study prevents definitive conclusions about causation, they said the findings add to growing evidence suggesting aircraft noise may negatively impact health.