Residents near airports may be slightly more at risk from heart attacks, say London researchers

People living near airports may be slightly more susceptible to heart attacks and related issues, a new study has indicated.

Research led by Imperial College London analysed hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases among residents whose homes are under Heathrow Airport’s flight paths.

The analysis found “evidence of a small increase in risk” of being admitted to hospital for that reason among people who had experienced higher noise during the previous night, according to a paper published in online journal Environment International.

Men aged above 65 appeared to be particularly affected.

The paper stated that aircraft noise has been found to disrupt sleep and raise blood pressure and stress hormone levels, which are factors linked to heart problems.

The researchers concluded: “These findings provide potential evidence that aircraft noise in the late evening and night-time may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular hospitalisations and deaths in the population living within the Heathrow Airport noise contour.

“This is consistent with a mechanism of action via disturbed sleep and has implications for developing respite measures for the communities situated near busy airports.

“Further research into these potential respite mechanisms and behavioural interventions, including runway rotation and noise insulation initiatives, is needed to understand how best to translate the findings from this study into action.”

Evidence of an association between aircraft noise and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases was limited, although this could be attributed to a small sample size.

The research was based on figures recorded between 2014 and 2018.

Aircraft noise has been a contentious issue during Heathrow’s long-running bid to gain permission to build a third runway.

Modern passenger planes are quieter than previous models but there are concerns that an increase in flights will cause more disturbance.

Heathrow, which supported Imperial College London in conducting the study, says reducing the impact of noise from flights is a vital part of its sustainability strategy.

Airport bosses also say they have reduced its noise footprint – the area where residents are exposed to aircraft noise – by 28% since 2006.

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