Noisy workplaces increase risk for heart disease, study says

Noisy workplaces increase risk for heart disease

A noisy work environment can increase the risk for heart disease to almost two times, according to a new study made by researchers at the University of British Columbia’s School of Environmental Health in Vancouver.

Young men who smoke, another risk factor, and work in noisy conditions are the most susceptible to develop heart ailments, said the study published online in the journal “Occupational and Environmental Medicine.”

“Excess noise exposure in the workplace is an important occupational health issue, especially for younger workers,” said study author Dr. Wen Qi Gan.

Dr. Gan said they classified persistent loud noises as unwanted sound rather than loud music or talking, and industrial noise was described as those coming from manufacturing processes like lumbering and mining.

“Noise control is critical to prevent these noise-related diseases. Whenever possible, protect yourself from exposure to excess noise,” Dr. Gan said.

Data from 6,307 people at least 20 years old were collected and analyzed by the researchers. The subjects participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 until 2004.

The study subjects answered questions about their health and lifestyle, and had physical and blood tests.

Findings from the study revealed that workers who were exposed to a noisy environment upped their risk for heart disease from two to three times as compared to other workers who worked in quieter environments.

The researchers theorize that loud noises can trigger stress and the release of chemicals that constrict coronary arteries and lead to other heart-related ailments.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday October 07 2010, 8:23 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0