Noise annoyance and risk of prevalent and incident atrial fibrillation-A sex-specific analysis

Impact of gene-environment interactions on atrial fibrillation and cardiac structure

Environmental pollution is a major burden of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the interactions between combined environmental factors and genetic susceptibility on atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiac structures. The study included 374,495 participants from the UK Biobank, utilizing genetic data and environmental variables (including air pollution, noise, greenspace and water quality). Polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated to estimate individual genetic risk. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the impact of exposure factors on the risk of AF occurrence. The mediation analysis was applied to assess the relationship among environmental scores, AF and cardiac structures. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was employed to assess potential influence of mitigating unfavorable environment characteristics on AF. The results showed that the highest group of four domain scores exhibited 3.38-16.83% higher AF risk than the lowest. Individuals with higher scores in four domains and high PRS had hazard ratio (95%CI) of 2.76 (2.62, 2.91), 2.61 (2.47, 2.75), 2.86 (2.71, 3.02) and 2.84 (2.66, 3.02). Environmental factors could indirectly affect cardiac structures through AF. Up to 7.37% of AF cases could be preventable through environmental interventions. Our findings pointed that gene-environment interaction can increase AF risk, which further affect cardiac structures.

The Impact of Non-Acoustic Factors on Chinese Community Response to Noise: A Systematic Review

Noise pollution has become one of the most prominent environmental issues in China. Although many studies have summarized the impact of non-acoustic factors on noise annoyance, the unique mechanisms of these factors within the context of Chinese society and culture still require systematic investigation. In this study, a systematic review of articles obtained from the CNKI, WanFang, WoS Core Collection, and Scopus databases (up to December 2024) was conducted, and 42 articles were included in a qualitative analysis to summarize the patterns of non-acoustic factors' influence on the community response of Chinese residents to noise. The results revealed the following: (1) The effects of non-acoustic factors on Chinese residents are significant, with the trends for factors such as noise sensitivity, attitude to noise source, health status, perceived quality of the living environment, and education level influencing the Chinese community response to noise having been basically clarified. However, the influence of the remaining factors and the unique influences of various non-acoustic factors await further quantitative analyses. (2) Interactions among various factors deserve close attention. The interactions between non-acoustic factors, as well as those between non-acoustic factors and sound source types, have been reflected in some studies. These may be significant for explaining the effects of non-acoustic factors and merit further research. (3) Compared to international studies, research on non-acoustic factors in China is relatively limited in quantity and unevenly distributed, which is insufficient to support further quantitative analysis or a detailed exploration of the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, more studies are necessary to support the future rationalization of noise policies and national standards in China.

Earplug use during sleep and its association with cardiovascular disease - Results from a large sample of the general population

Introduction

Environmental factors contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis. Noise annoyance is linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and earplug use may mitigate noise-related health effects. This study examines associations between earplug use, noise annoyance, and CVD in a general population sample.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 15,010 participants (35-74 years, 2007-2012) in the German Gutenberg Health Study were analyzed. Noise annoyance from various sources and earplug use during sleep were self-reported. Prevalent CVD (atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic heart failure, peripheral artery disease, or venous thromboembolism) was determined through self-report or medical records. Logistic regression analyses with sequential adjustments evaluated associations.

Results

Among 14,675 participants with earplug data, 713 (4.9%) reported use. Earplug users were more likely younger women with lower cardiovascular risk profiles but higher noise annoyance (90.3% vs. 78.8%). Logistic regression revealed consistent positive associations between earplug use and prevalent CVD across various noise sources, persisting after adjustments for covariates. For example, the odds ratio for earplug use and prevalent CVD, adjusted for neighborhood noise annoyance and other factors, was 1.91 (95% CI 1.39-2.59). No interaction between earplug use and noise annoyance was found.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into the relationships between earplug use, noise annoyance, and CVD. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing noise-related cardiovascular risks and emphasize the complex dynamics of these factors in cardiovascular health.

Modeling noise annoyance using Bayesian networks: A case study of an industrial factory

BackgroundNoise annoyance is a detrimental cognitive response elicited by noise exposure. Precisely identifying primary risk factors plays a vital role in effectively preventing and managing this issue.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a comprehensive Bayesian network model to predict noise annoyance, by identifying main contributing factors.MethodsWe conducted a deep literature review to list variables affecting the probability of noise annoyance Expert knowledge was elicited to finalize variables and find their causal relationship. We collected questionnaires from 542 workers in a steel factory during 2025-2023 to gather data on noise annoyance, insomnia severity, general health, workload, personality type, job stress, and loudness perception as the key variables. The Bayesian network was applied to model the probability of noise annoyance among workers and determine its key influencing factors. The model's accuracy and sensitivity were ultimately evaluated based on different approaches.ResultsQuestionnaires results indicated that over 50% of the workers found the noise annoying, and nearly half perceived the loudness as extremely high. BN results showed that stress, sensitivity to noise, and personality were identified as the most influential factors affecting noise annoyance, respectively. The model exhibited a low error rate of 11.81% and a high Area Under the Curve of 0.88, demonstrating a high level of accuracy in predicting noise annoyance levels experienced by workers.ConclusionThe study highlights the developed Bayesian model as a valuable tool for predicting risk factors and emphasizes pre-employment health assessments incorporating stress, noise sensitivity and personality to prevent, identify and manage noise annoyance in industrial settings.

Noise annoyance due to different sources is associated with tinnitus presence and distress in the general population

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of tinnitus is not yet fully understood. Although there is a large amount of evidence associating traffic noise exposure with non-auditory health outcomes, there is no evidence regarding the impact of noise annoyance on auditory disorders such as tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between noise annoyance due to different sources and tinnitus presence and distress in the general population.

METHODS

Data of 6813 participants from a large German population-based cohort were used (Gutenberg Health Study). Participants were asked about the presence of tinnitus and how much they were bothered by it. In addition, information on annoyance from road traffic, aircraft, railways, industrial, and neighborhood noise during the day and sleep was collected through validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tinnitus was 27.3%, and the predominant sources of noise annoyance in these subjects were aircraft, neighborhood, and road traffic noise. Overall, logistic regression results demonstrated consistent positive associations between annoyance due to different noise sources and prevalent risk of tinnitus with increases in odds ratios ranging from 4 to 11% after adjustment for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Likewise, consistent increases in odds ratios were observed for tinnitus distress in subjects with prevalent tinnitus. For instance, neighborhood noise annoyance during the sleep was associated with a 26% increase in tinnitus distress (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13; 1.39).

IMPACT

This is the first study investigating the association between noise annoyance and tinnitus presence and distress in a large cohort of the general population. Our results indicate consistent and positive associations between various sources of noise annoyance and tinnitus. These unprecedented findings are highly relevant as noise annoyance and tinnitus are widespread. The precise etiology and locus of tinnitus remain unknown, but excessive noise exposure is thought to be among the major causes. This study suggests that transportation and neighborhood noise levels thought merely to contribute to annoyance and non-auditory health effects may be sufficient to cause or exacerbate tinnitus.

Application of Ward Noise Management in Perioperative Hepatobiliary Surgery: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the application effect of ward noise management during the perioperative period of hepatobiliary surgery.

METHODS

The clinical data of 295 patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery admitted to People's Hospital of Zunyi City Bo Zhou District from March 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. In accordance with different perioperative management programs, patients were divided into the control (implementation of perioperative routine management) and observation (implementation of perioperative routine management + ward noise management) groups. Patients' general data were matched through propensity score matching, and 55 cases were allocated to each group. After matching, the clinical indicators of the two groups were compared to evaluate the effect of ward noise management on patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

RESULTS

No significant difference in general data was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). After management, the postoperative recovery indicators, such as feeding time, exhaust time, defecation time, first time to get out of bed, and incidence of postoperative complications, did not significantly differ between the observation and control groups (P > 0.05). The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The average noise decibel values during the day, night, and over 24 hours of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ward noise management can improve the negative emotions of patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery, enhance sleep quality, and promote recovery. Therefore, it has a certain clinical promotion value.

Association of transportation noise with cardiovascular diseases

This comprehensive article delves into the intricate and multifaceted issue of noise pollution, shedding light on its diverse sources, profound health implications, and the economic burden it imposes on societies. Noise pollution is an increasingly prevalent environmental challenge, impacting millions of people worldwide, often without their full awareness of its adverse effects. Drawing from a wealth of scientific research, the article underscores the well-established links between noise pollution and a spectrum of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbances, and psychological stress. While exploring the sources and consequences of noise pollution, the article highlights the urgent need for a holistic and collaborative approach to mitigate its impact. This entails a combination of regulatory measures, technological innovations, urban planning strategies, and public education campaigns. It is increasingly evident that the detrimental effects of noise pollution extend beyond physical health, encompassing mental and social well-being. The article also addresses the synergistic relationship between noise pollution and other environmental stressors, emphasizing the importance of considering noise in conjunction with factors like air pollution and access to green spaces. It examines the potential of green spaces to mitigate the effects of noise pollution and enhance overall health.

Environmental Exposome and Atrial Fibrillation: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions

There has been increased awareness of the linkage between environmental exposures and cardiovascular health and disease. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although numerous studies have explored the role of genetic and lifestyle factors in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation, the potential impact of environmental determinants on this prevalent condition has received comparatively less attention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on environmental determinants of atrial fibrillation, encompassing factors such as air pollution, temperature, humidity, and other meteorologic conditions, noise pollution, greenspace, and the social environment. We discuss the existing evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of these investigations and the potential underlying biological mechanisms through which environmental exposures may affect atrial fibrillation risk. Furthermore, we address the potential implications of these findings for public health and clinical practice and identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in this emerging field.

Environmental Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: Part 2 of 2: Soil, Water, and Other Forms of Pollution

With a growing body of evidence that now links environmental pollution to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, pollution has emerged as an important risk factor for CVD. There is thus an urgent need to better understand the role of pollution in CVD, key pathophysiological mechanisms, and to raise awareness among health care providers, the scientific community, the general population, and regulatory authorities about the CV impact of pollution and strategies to reduce it. This article is part 2 of a 2-part state-of-the-art review on the topic of pollution and CVD-herein we discuss major environmental pollutants and their effects on CVD, highlighting pathophysiological mechanisms, and strategies to reduce CVD risk.

Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise and cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance-results from a pooled analysis of human field studies

OBJECTIVES

A series of human field studies demonstrated that acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance, including endothelial dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and impaired sleep quality. A pooled analysis of these results remains to be established and is of tremendous interest to consolidate scientific knowledge.

METHODS

We analyzed data from four randomized crossover studies (published between 2013 to 2021 and conducted at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany). A total of 275 subjects (40.4% women, mean age 43.03 years) were each exposed to one control scenario (regular background noise) and at least to one traffic noise scenario (60 aircraft or train noise events) in their homes during nighttime. After each night, the subjects visited the study center for comprehensive cardiovascular function assessment, including the measurement of endothelial function and hemodynamic and biochemical parameters, as well as sleep-related variables.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis revealed a significantly impaired endothelial function when comparing the two different noise sequences (0-60 vs. 60-0 simulated noise events, mean difference in flow-mediated dilation -2.00%, 95% CI -2.32; -1.68, p < 0.0001). In concordance, mean arterial pressure was significantly increased after traffic noise exposure (mean difference 2.50 mmHg, 95% CI 0.54; 4.45, p = 0.013). Self-reported sleep quality, the restfulness of sleep, and feeling in the morning were significantly impaired after traffic noise exposure (all p < 0.0001).

DISCUSSION

Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased mean arterial pressure, and sleep disturbance.