Individual daytime noise exposure during routine activities and heart rate variability in adults: a repeated measures study

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between noise exposure and cardiovascular events. However, there have been few studies of possible underlying mechanisms. We examined the association between individual daytime noise exposure and heart rate variability (HRV). In a prospective pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental health perspectives 2013-05, Vol.121 (5), p.607-612
Main Authors: Kraus, Ute, Schneider, Alexandra, Breitner, Susanne, Hampel, Regina, Rückerl, Regina, Pitz, Mike, Geruschkat, Uta, Belcredi, Petra, Radon, Katja, Peters, Annette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular diseases
Daytime
Diaries
Disease
Electrocardiography
Environmental Exposure
Exercise
Female
Health
Health aspects
Health risks
Heart
Heart attacks
Heart beat
Heart Rate
Humans
Male
Mathematical models
Medical research
Middle Aged
Mortality
Nervous system
Noise
Noise - adverse effects
Noise levels
Noise measurement
Noise pollution
Panels
Physical fitness
Prospective Studies
Respiration
Sound pressure
Studies
Variables
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Summary:Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between noise exposure and cardiovascular events. However, there have been few studies of possible underlying mechanisms. We examined the association between individual daytime noise exposure and heart rate variability (HRV). In a prospective panel study in Augsburg, Germany (March 2007-December 2008), 110 individuals participated in 326 electrocardiogram recordings with a mean duration of 6 hr. Five-minute averages of heart rate (HR) and HRV parameters were determined. Individual noise exposure was measured as A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (L(eq)). Effects were estimated using additive mixed models adjusted for long- and short-term time trends and physical activity. Due to nonlinear exposure-response functions, we performed piecewise linear analyses with a cut-off point at 65 dB(A). Concurrent increases of 5 dB(A) in L(eq) < 65 dB(A) were associated with increases in HR (percent change of mean value: 1.48%; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.60%) and the ratio of low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency (HF) power (4.89%; 95% CI: 3.48, 6.32%), and with decreases in LF (-3.77%; 95% CI: -5.49, -2.02%) and HF (-8.56%; 95% CI: -10.31, -6.78%) power. Standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) was positively associated with concurrent noise < 65 dB(A) (5.74%; 95% CI: 5.13, 6.36) but negatively associated with noise lagged by 5-15 min (-0.53% to -0.69%). Associations with cardiac function were less pronounced for noise ≥ 65 dB(A), with some in opposite directions from associations with noise < 65 dB(A). Concurrent associations were modified by sex and age. Individual daytime noise exposure was associated with immediate changes in HRV, suggesting a possible mechanism linking noise to cardiovascular risk. Noise at lower levels may have health consequences beyond those resulting from "fight-or-flight" responses to high levels of noise.
ISSN:0091-6765
1552-9924
DOI:10.1289/ehp.1205606