Adults exposed to high levels of residential transportation noise from road traffic, trains, and aircraft face a higher risk of serious heart-related events and are more likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, according to new preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026. The study found that the link between noise exposure and heart disease was similar for people with healthy sleep patterns and those with unhealthy sleep, suggesting that healthy sleep may not counteract the adverse effects of noise.
The research, led by Joseph Nguyen, M.D., an internal medicine resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, analyzed medical records and lifestyle survey data for more than 100,000 adults, along with U.S. government transportation noise data. The study included 108,051 adults enrolled in the Massachusetts General Brigham Biobank, with a median age of 57 years and 58% women. Transportation noise exposure was estimated using a U.S. Department of Transportation tool that measures average 24-hour noise levels near a person's home. About one-third of participants (33%) were exposed to noise louder than 50 decibels, and 54.5% were exposed to noise louder than 45 decibels.
"The key finding of our study is that the relationship between noise exposure and cardiovascular disease events, and the number of cardiovascular risk factors developed, was similar among people with and without unhealthy sleep, suggesting that healthy sleep is not protective against adverse heart impacts of noise exposure," Nguyen said. The researchers examined average noise levels above 45-50 decibels, similar to moderate rainfall or typing on a keyboard. "It is important to note that the noise levels in our dataset are a 24-hour average, rather than peak noise levels, which may be much higher," Nguyen added.
Exposure to elevated levels of transportation noise above 50 decibels was associated with an 8% to 10% increase in the development of major heart disease risk factors. When analyzing risk factors individually, the strongest relationship was seen with high cholesterol, followed by high blood pressure and then diabetes. The link between transportation noise and cardiovascular events remained even after considering factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, socioenvironmental factors like air pollution and income, and mental health factors like depression and anxiety.
Nguyen suggested strategies to reduce noise exposure, such as installing thicker drywall, windows, and doors; placing bedrooms in the quietest areas of the house; planting dense trees and vegetation; and using earplugs during sleep. The study's findings add to the growing evidence that environmental factors may contribute to cardiovascular disease. Keith Churchwell, M.D., past volunteer president of the American Heart Association, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the need for stronger policies to reduce adverse environmental exposures. "Creating stronger policies to reduce adverse environmental exposures and building durable infrastructure that emphasizes wellness, will help us tackle these environmental issues and help improve heart health," Churchwell said. He co-authored the association's joint scientific statement, Environmental Stressors and Cardiovascular Health: Acting Locally for Global Impact in a Changing World.
The study has limitations, including that it reviewed existing data and cannot prove cause and effect. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. The research will be presented at Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held Nov. 6-9 in Chicago. For more information, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
