Assessing the Effects of Chronic Noise Exposure and Disrupted Wildlife Soundscape on Cardiovascular Health and Hypertension in Urban Residents
Annotatsiya
Excessive exposure to environment-related noise, particularly in cities, is also being increasingly considered as a serious risk factor that has led to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as hypertension. The review is devoted to the cardiovascular effects of chronic noise exposure, where the mechanisms involved in the progression and onset of hypertension in urban residents in relation to noise exposure are highlighted. Research has always indicated that noises during the night can interfere with sleep patterns, increase the level of stress hormones, and cause the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn results in an increase in levels of blood pressure. Moreover, disruptive effects on the glucose metabolism and lipid profiles caused by noise conditions have been associated with unpleasant outcomes in the cardiovascular system. The effect is especially severe among the older generation, males, and less socio-economically advantaged populations, as they might be more susceptible to it, as they have more cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. There is growing information that noise pollution may also disrupt the circadian rhythms in the body, which is even more dangerous in terms of increased hypertension. Chronic urban noise also disrupts natural wildlife and animal soundscapes, reducing exposure to calming acoustic environments created by birds, insects, and other species that help regulate human stress responses. This diminished contact with natural animal auditory cues may further intensify cardiovascular strain and contribute to hypertension progression. The results demonstrate the importance of implementing public health measures to minimize noise levels especially in congested cities so as to curb the risk of cardiovascular health. More studies are needed to know how exactly the biological process works and to create interventions that should lead to the decrease of the burden of noise-induced hypertension.