Cross-sectional association between road traffic noise and hypertension in a population-based sample in Girona, Spain (REGICOR-AIR project)

摘要

Long-term exposure to traffic-related noise may increase blood pressure levels and induce hypertension, especially at night-time (WHO 2009). The evidence for the effects of road traffic noise on hypertension seems to be increasing, but some inconsistencies are still found in the size of the effects and in the effect modifiers involved in this association (such as age or gender) (e.g. de Kluizenaar et al. 2007; Bluhm et al. 2007; Belojevic et al. 2008; Jarup et al. 2008; Barregard et al. 2009). Besides, long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution has been also associated with cardiovascular health (HEI 2010). There could be some interrelated biological pathways of long-term exposure to road traffic noise and air pollution leading to common cardiovascular endpoints. Therefore, traffic-related air pollution may confound the cardiovascular effects of road traffic noise in the long-term (Foraster et al. 2011). However, to our knowledge, few studies analyzing hypertension could consider air pollution (de Kluizenaar et al. 2007; Jarup et al. 2008).