A new study by researchers at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has found a link between noisy road traffic and an increased risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
The study looked at the relationship between environmental quality, noise pollution at different frequencies, and hypertension cases in various locations in urban Glasgow.
The researchers found a significant correlation between noise pollution, air pollution, and hypertension in high-traffic residential areas.
This discovery highlights the need for stricter noise guidelines and better technology for quieter vehicles and urban design.
The team said that the research results from an interdisciplinary collaboration between different fields to address societal problems.
They emphasized the importance of increasing evidence highlighting the impact of environmental conditions on public health in preventing hypertension at an individual and societal level.
The study also showed that combining multiple environmental indicators can provide information to support impact assessment for public health in urban environments.
The findings could also assist local authorities in managing the built environment and developing tools to improve public health decision-making.
The team stated that the research identifies opportunities for including broader indicators in public health policy.
They emphasized that while further investigation is necessary, this should not delay taking action to recognize traffic noise as a potential risk factor for hypertension and heart diseases in clinical guidelines and environmental policy.
This study’s findings highlight the need for policymakers and urban planners to prioritize reducing traffic noise and air pollution in high-traffic residential areas to mitigate the risk of hypertension and its associated health problems.
The study’s interdisciplinary approach, combining various fields to address societal problems, sets an example for future research into the impact of environmental conditions on public health.
How to prevent high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue that can lead to serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. By maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can lower your risk of hypertension.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower blood pressure. Avoid processed and high-sodium foods, which can contribute to hypertension.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. Men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day, and women should limit their intake to one.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Quitting smoking can not only reduce blood pressure but also improve overall health.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress like exercise, meditation, or yoga.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
f you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, and high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing DASH diet is good for your blood pressure, and vegetable diet may reduce heart disease risk.
The study was conducted by Wisdom K. Adza et al and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
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