Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Study shows high exposure to road traffic noise increases hypertension risk

The scientists at American College of Cardiology recommended policy measures to mitigate the negative effects of road traffic noise, including implementing more stringent noise guidelines

Study shows high exposure to road traffic noise increases hypertension risk

According to a recent study by the American College of Cardiology, exposure to road traffic noise is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension, with the risk rising in correlation with the level of noise exposure.

The study used data from UK Biobank, which included over 240,000 participants aged 40 to 69 without hypertension at the start of the study.


Even after adjusting for exposure to fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, the link between road traffic noise and hypertension remained significant.

The scientists followed the participants of the study for a median period of 8.1 years to determine how many developed hypertension.

They estimated road traffic noise using the Common Noise Assessment Method and participants' residential address.

The study found that the risk of developing hypertension increased in tandem with the level of noise exposure.

The scientists found that those with high exposure to both traffic noise and air pollution had the highest risk of developing hypertension, suggesting a potential role of air pollution in the development of hypertension.

"We were a little surprised that the association between road traffic noise and hypertension was robust even after adjustment for air pollution," said Jing Huang, lead author of the study.

"It is essential to explore the independent effects of road traffic noise, rather than the total environment," said Huang.

The study's authors recommended policy measures to mitigate the negative effects of road traffic noise, including implementing more stringent noise guidelines and enforcement, enhancing road conditions and urban design, and investing in advanced technology to produce quieter vehicles.

Ongoing studies are investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms by which hypertension develops from road noise.

The research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

AP Dhillon

From dropping beats to dropping jaws—AP Dhillon steals the show at Chanel in Paris

AP Dhillon owns the spotlight: From Brown Munde to Chanel’s front row in Paris

From selling out arenas to sitting front row at Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show, the Punjabi rap superstar is moving in spaces once reserved for fashion’s elite. And he’s doing it with the same effortless swagger that made him a household name across South Asia and now, Europe.

AP Dhillon brings his signature style to Chanel’s front row

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS Greenlights New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Relief

This new pill can be taken at home

iStock

NHS approves new daily pill for endometriosis treatment in the UK

A new daily pill, relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, designed to treat endometriosis, has been approved for use across England’s NHS. This medication provides a convenient and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering relief for women suffering from this painful condition.

A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Care

Keep ReadingShow less
budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less
slushies

Slushy drinks attract young children with their bright colours and taste

istock

Doctors urge children under 8 to avoid slushies due to glycerol risks

Children’s love for brightly coloured, sweet beverages, such as slushy ice drinks, may come with hidden dangers, according to new research that highlights the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in these products. Doctors are now urging that children under eight should completely avoid slushy drinks that contain glycerol, as they may cause serious health issues, including loss of consciousness and shock.

The call for revised health advice comes in response to a recent study conducted by paediatricians in the UK and Ireland. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, examined 21 cases of children aged between two and seven who required emergency treatment shortly after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. These cases, all from 2018 to 2024, involved children who became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lab-grown food may hit UK shelves in two years

The FSA aims to approve two lab-grown products within two years.

iStock

Lab-grown food may hit UK shelves in two years

In a world where technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that the food on our plates is next in line for a revolution. Lab-grown meat, dairy, and even sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within the next two years, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This development marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and innovative food production. But as the UK prepares to embrace this futuristic fare, questions about safety, ethics, and environmental impact loom large.

What is lab-grown food?

Lab-grown food, also known as cultivated or cell-based food, is produced by cultivating animal or plant cells in controlled environments. For example, meat is grown from animal cells in bioreactors, while sugar alternatives can be created by modifying yeast or other microorganisms. These products are designed to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional foods but without the need for large-scale farming or animal slaughter.

Keep ReadingShow less