Living near noisy roads, railway lines or flight paths may be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, according to preliminary medical research.

The findings are preliminary and have not yet undergone peer review as a full scientific paper. The study is scheduled for presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, taking place from 6 to 9 November in Chicago.

A study involving more than 100,000 adults found that higher exposure to transportation noise was associated with an increased likelihood of serious cardiovascular events and risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The findings suggest that healthy sleep does not protect against the cardiovascular risks associated with transportation noise.

Transportation Noise Exposure Linked to 10 Per Cent Increase in Heart Risk Factors

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital analysed decade-long medical records and lifestyle survey data from 108,051 adults enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank.

The team measured average 24-hour transportation noise levels near participants' residences, focusing on road traffic, trains, and aircraft.

Individuals exposed to average noise levels exceeding 50 decibels faced an 8 to 10 per cent increased risk of developing major cardiovascular risk factors.

When evaluating individual conditions, scientists identified the strongest statistical relationship with high cholesterol, followed by high blood pressure and diabetes.

Researchers noted that the 50-decibel measurement represented a 24-hour average, comparable to moderate rainfall or typing on a keyboard. Peak noise levels can be considerably higher, with subway stations reaching more than 100 decibels when trains arrive or depart.

Healthy Sleep Fails to Protect the Heart From Loud Traffic Pollution

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The study revealed a surprising physiological outcome regarding sleep health and environmental noise exposure.

Roughly one-third of study participants had abnormal sleep patterns or conditions, including sleep apnoea, insomnia and sleeping fewer than seven or more than nine hours per night.

However, statistical analysis found that the association between transportation noise exposure and cardiovascular events was similar among individuals with healthy and unhealthy sleep patterns.

'The key finding of our study is that the relationship between noise exposure and cardiovascular disease events was similar among people with and without unhealthy sleep,' said lead author Dr Joseph Nguyen.

'We expected that disordered sleep would influence the relationship between noise exposure and heart disease,' Dr Nguyen added. 'It was surprising to find that sleep health appeared to play no role.'

Dr Nguyen said that noise from other forms of transportation, including aircraft, may also increase the risk of heart disease.

Practical Home Modifications and Structural Policy Changes Reduce Health Hazards

Environmental noise represents a widespread public health risk that extends well beyond simple annoyance or hearing loss.

The US Environmental Protection Agency identifies noise pollution as a public health concern, linking it to stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, sleep disruption and lost productivity.

To reduce noise exposure, Dr Nguyen suggested installing thicker drywall, windows and doors in the home.

Residents can also place bedrooms in quieter sections of the home, plant dense yard vegetation, or wear earplugs during sleep.

'Creating stronger policies to reduce adverse environmental exposures and building durable infrastructure that emphasizes wellness will help us tackle these environmental issues,' said Dr Keith Churchwell, co-author of an American Heart Association scientific statement.

Churchwell was not involved in the study. The researchers also noted that, because the analysis used previously collected data, it could not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between transportation noise and cardiovascular disease.

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