Traffic noise and cardiovascular risk: the Speedwell study, first phase. Outdoor noise levels and risk factors.

As part of the Speedwell study, traffic noise exposure and risk factors for ischemic heart disease were studied in a sample of 2,348 men whose ages ranged from 45 to 63 y. The road traffic noise emission level, Leq, ranged between 51 and 70 dB(A) (6-22 h, 10-m distance). Significant associations were found between noise and potential ischemic heart disease risk factors, including total triglycerides, platelet count, plasma viscosity, glucose (increases), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (decreases). Not all results support the hypothesis that traffic noise increases ischemic heart disease risk. The results were controlled for a number of potential confounding factors.