The Effect of Noise Pollution on Human Cardiovascular System
Favour Chukumela Woko
Department of Integrated Science
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt
Email: favourchukumelawoko@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Noise pollution is a health hazard and induces both auditory and non-auditory effects. Extensive levels of noise are associated with a high risk of physiological changes such as hypertension, increased levels of heartbeat rate, peripheral vasoconstriction, and thus peripheral vascular resistance. Noise can trigger both endocrine and autonomic nervous system responses that in turn affect the cardiovascular system and maybe a high risk for the appearance of cardiovascular disease. This work provides a comprehensive review of the new evidence linking noise pollution to cardiovascular risk. It considers some fundamental issues concerning noise and its consequences on the cardiovascular system. Sleep deprivation or fragmentation is usually considered the most severe non-auditory effect of noise pollution, which in turn affects the cardiovascular system. Noise exposure is also associated with hypertension and consequently with other cardiovascular diseases, the results from the literature, however, are inconclusive. Noise pollution has many adverse effects on health and especially on the cardiovascular system. Understanding the harmful effects of noise pollution on cardiovascular health will help us to take all the appropriate measures to prevent or to reduce the possible health risks.
Keywords: Noise Pollution, Noise Exposure, Cardiovascular Risk, Hypertension, Sleep Deprivation
