Effect of 90 decibel noise of 4000 hertz on blood pressure in young adults.

BACKGROUND

Almost every individual dislikes excessive and unnecessary noise. Noise exerts various adverse psychological and physiological effects, on human body including a rise in blood pressure.

METHODS

117 volunteer medical students, aged 18-23 years were exposed to 90 decibel noise of 4000 hertz for 10 minutes, produced by audiometer in a sound-proof room. Blood pressure was recorded every three minutes.

RESULTS

Blood pressure increased during exposure to noise. Average rise in systolic blood pressure was 2.462+/-0.532 mm Hg and average rise in diastolic blood pressure was 3.064+/-1.047 mm Hg. Blood pressure came to resting value within two minutes after stopping exposure to noise in more than 50% of the subjects.

CONCLUSION

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases due to noise exposure.