Long-Term Exposures to Urban Noise and Blood Pressure Levels and Control Among Older Adults

Abstract

Urban noise is a common environmental exposure that may increase the burden of hypertension in communities, yet it is largely unstudied in the United States, and it has not been studied in relation to blood pressure (BP) control. We investigated associations of urban noise with BP levels and control in the United States. We used repeated BP and medication data from Chicago-based participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (≥65 years) and MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; ≥45 years). Using a spatial prediction model with project-specific measurements, we estimated noise at participant homes. We imputed BP levels for those on medication and used mixed-effects models to evaluate associations with noise. Logistic regression was used for uncontrolled and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension. Models were run separately by cohort and altogether, all with adjustment for age, sex, sociodemographic factors, and other plausible sources of confounding. We evaluated 16 462 BP measurements from 6764 participants (6073 Chicago Health and Aging Project and 691 MESA) over an average of 4 years. For both cohorts, we found that greater levels of noise were associated with higher BP levels and greater risk of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension. In our pooled models, 10-dBA higher residential noise levels corresponded to 1.2 (95% CI, 0.1–2.2) and 1.1 mm Hg greater (95% CI, 0.6–1.7) systolic and diastolic BPs as well as a 20% increased odds of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (odds ratio per 10 dBA: 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0–1.4], P =0.04). Urban noise may increase BP levels and complicate hypertension treatment in the United States.