Everyday noise affects the heart rate variability
The relationship between noise exposure, particularly high noise intensities, and cardiovascular disease is known from previous studies. Scientists led by Ute Kraus of the Working Group, Environmental Risks', under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Schneider at the Institute of Epidemiology II (EPI II) at Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU) have now investigated the consequences of our daily soundscape and discovered that this holds also health risks.
The scientists evaluated data from a study of participants in the population-based KORA study. 110 participants were repeated equipped with measuring instruments that were recording over about six hours, both the heart rate, as well as the ambient noise. The volume values were divided into two groups using a cutoff of 65 dB and for each group the associated heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed. The HRV describes the adaptability of the cardiovascular system to current needs and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system consists of nerves groups of so-called sympathetic and parasympathetic. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system as well as an attenuation of the parasympathetic nervous system result in a decrease of HRV. A low HRV is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The results of the study show that HRV was reduced by 5 dB both in the range of high and low volume intensity with an increase in noise. "The study shows that not only higher noise intensities stress effects and health effects have the consequence but also lower noise intensities can cause adverse health effects," says Prof. Dr. Annette Peters, director of the EPI II. "We currently investigating the sources of noise from the daily environment. It would also be interesting to repeat the study on younger participants with the inclusion of harassment feeling as well as other health parameters such as blood pressure. "As the average age of the study population was 61 years, a general transmission of the results is limited to the total population possible.
Environmental factors and lifestyle contribute significantly to the emergence of widespread diseases in Germany, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in. The aim of the Helmholtz Zentrum München is to develop new approaches for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common diseases.
Original publication:
Kraus, U. et al. (2013) Individual Day Time Noise Exposure during routine Activities and Heart Rate Variability in Adults: A Repeated Measures Study, Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 121, Number 5, 607 - 612
Link to trade publication:
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1205606/
Source: Neuherberg [Helmholtz Zentrum München]
