Did you know there’s been quite a lot of research into noise and blood pressure? In fact, there’s more than you might expect. This makes sense given that high blood pressure (also known as “hypertension”) is a precursor to heart disease—the leading cause of death globally. Anything that might induce hypertension is worth studying in depth.

Does noise cause high blood pressure?

Saying that noise causes hypertension might seem like a stretch at first. But the data is consistent. There is ample evidence that noise can cause stress, disrupt sleep, impair cognitive performance, and increase hypertension and cardiovascular events.

Ten years ago evidence was emerging about noise as environmental pollutant that’s associated with material hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The evidence has only grown since then.

A recent American study found that urban noise causes blood pressure levels to increase and complicates hypertension treatment. This was a broad study over four years with 6,764 participants. Greater levels of noise were associated with higher blood pressure levels and a greater risk of treatment-resistant hypertension. The treatment resistance is especially concerning.

So, the mounting evidence begs the question: what can we do about it?

Reducing noise stress

Is there any way to reduce environmental noise to the point it will have a meaningful impact on humans? Unfortunately, as we urbanise, noise is unavoidable. Even in residential settings, there’s only so much that double or triple glazing can achieve.

Fortunately, urban greening and biophilic design are emerging as opportunities to reduce the impact of environmental noise. That is, to reduce the annoyance and intrusiveness of noise, especially in the workplace. Insofar as noise stress is a factor in hypertension, this is a positive development.

In the workplace, adding sound masking can reduce noise stress by abating the impact and annoyance of intrusive noise, like coworkers and other office noise.

For those who suffer from high blood pressure, any solution to noise stress—that could be causing or exacerbating the condition—should be welcomed as part of a holistic solution to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.