Living under a flight path can harm your health, according to study

Living under a flight path can be annoying for residents - with airplanes causing noise and distractions throughout the day, and sometimes well into the night. While many people say they eventually learn to block out the noise, it might also be wise to invest in noise-reduction solutions like acoustic insulation.

That's especially true now that researchers have discovered a worrisome connection between heart attack rates and long-term exposure to aircraft noise.

According to the survey, which was carried out by researchers in Poland, living under a flight path could increase a person's chances of suffering a heart attack. They found that flight noise is also linked to high blood pressure, hypertension and an altered heart structure.

The study assessed the effects of airport noise and how it affects the wellbeing of those who live with the sounds of aircraft every day. It looked at the health of more than 200 adults between the ages of 40 and 66, who had all lived in an area with aircraft noise for more than three years.

Half of those involved in the study were exposed to more than 60 decibels (dB) of aircraft noise - that's the equivalent to conversation levels in a restaurant. The other half were exposed to less than 55 dB, and acted as a control group.

The groups were matched in pairs by gender, age and the amount of time they had lived in their area.

As part of the study, everyone taking part had their blood pressure measured, while asymptomatic organ damage was assessed by measuring the stiffness of the aorta. The mass and function of the left ventricle were also determined.

The team from Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow found that two-fifths of those who lived in an area of high aircraft noise had higher blood pressure. Among those living in low aircraft noise areas, less than a quarter had increased blood pressures.

In addition, many of those who lived with high levels of aircraft noise had some enlargement to the left side of the heart.

Commenting on the findings, Marta Rojek, lead author of the study, warned that there was increasing evidence that living near an airport can increase the risk of high blood pressure, especially at night. She also pointed out that it has been linked with hospitalisation for cardiovascular diseases, but said more evidence would be needed.

"Our results suggest living near an airport for three years or more is associated with in increased risk of high blood pressure and hypertension. These changes may then lead to damage of the aorta and heart, which could increase the risk of having a heart attack," she said.

She explained that the European Union requires countries to assess and manage environmental noise, and that there are national laws about aircraft noise.

"Poland stipulates a maximum of 55 dB around schools and hospitals and 60 dB for other areas. Noise can be kept below those levels by using only noise-certified aircraft, redirecting flight paths, keeping airports away from homes and avoiding night flights," she added.

In order to protect people's health, enforcing these laws is "vital," she said.

"We also need further research to understand how the damage occurs and whether it can be reversed."