Association between community noise and adiposity in patients with cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Obesity Studies

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients face various health risks.
• Community noise exposure is a growing public health concern.
• The link between noise and metabolic health, especially in vulnerable populations, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between community noise and anthropometric measures (BMI, WC) in patients with CVD.
• To differentiate the impact of outdoor versus indoor noise exposure.
• To identify subgroups of CVD patients potentially more susceptible to noise-related adiposity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 132 CVD patients from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, was assessed.
• Anthropometric data (BMI, WC) were correlated with noise exposure metrics (Lden, Lnight).
• Indoor noise levels were estimated considering façade exposure, window opening, and sound insulation.

Main Results:

• Non-significant increases in BMI and WC were observed per 5 dB noise increase.
• Indoor noise exposure demonstrated a stronger association with adiposity than outdoor exposure.
• Specific subgroups (men, diabetics, high noise sensitivity, certain heating types, first-floor residents) showed more pronounced effects from indoor noise.

Conclusions:

• Road traffic noise is linked to increased adiposity in certain vulnerable CVD patient groups.
• Global noise annoyance (GNA) was paradoxically associated with lower BMI and WC.
• Environmental noise warrants consideration in managing cardiovascular health and metabolic risk.