Association between long-term aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis with focused...

Aircraft noise is a growing public health concern, particularly for those living near airports. Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of aircraft noise exposure on cardiovascular health outcomes.

We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases up to December 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 with a random-effects model, pooling outcomes as odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024598651). Our meta-analysis included 34 studies with a combined sample of ∼35.5 million adults aged 18 years and older, with follow-up durations ranging from 1 to 20 years. Pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant association between aircraft noise exposure and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with an OR of 1.1 (95% CI: 1.07-1.14, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of night-time exposure showed a stronger association, with a significant increase in CVD risk (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.26, P = 0.006). Additionally, a significant association was found between aircraft noise exposure and overall CVD mortality, with an OR of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.01-1.13, P = 0.02). Although the association appeared stronger in females, this sex-specific difference was not statistically significant. Mortality related to myocardial infarction was also significantly associated with aircraft noise exposure, with an OR of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.12, P = 0.009). However, no significant increase in mortality was observed for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or stroke, with ORs of 1.05 (P = 0.08) and 1.01 (P = 0.3), respectively. Moreover, aircraft noise exposure was associated with a significantly higher risk of hypertension in males (OR = 1.42) compared with females (OR = 1.01). While the overall association with hypertension was not statistically significant (OR = 1.02; P = 0.74), aircraft noise exposure was linked to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (MD = 1.83 mmHg; P = 0.04), highlighting a potential early impact on cardiovascular risk.

Our study demonstrates a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, with stronger association during night-time exposure. The observed increase in systolic blood pressure and higher hypertension risk in males suggest early and sex-specific cardiovascular effects. These findings highlight the importance of mitigating chronic aircraft noise exposure to reduce its long-term cardiovascular burden.