Individual Daytime Noise Exposure during Routine Activities and Heart Rate Variability in Adults: A Repeated Measures Study

Kraus, Ute; Schneider, A; Breitner, S; Hampel, R; Rueckerl, R; Pitz, M; Geruschkat, Uta; Belcredi, P; Radon, K; Peters, A

HERO ID

2640620

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

PMID

23512292

HERO ID 2640620
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Individual Daytime Noise Exposure during Routine Activities and Heart Rate Variability in Adults: A Repeated Measures Study
Authors Kraus, Ute; Schneider, A; Breitner, S; Hampel, R; Rueckerl, R; Pitz, M; Geruschkat, Uta; Belcredi, P; Radon, K; Peters, A
Journal Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 121
Issue 5
Page Numbers 607-612
Abstract BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between noise exposure and cardiovascular events. However, there have been few studies of possible underlying mechanisms. <br> <br>OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between individual daytime noise exposure and heart rate variability (HRV). <br> <br>METHODS: In a prospective panel study in Augsburg, Germany (March 2007-December 2008), 110 individuals participated in 326 electrocardiogram recordings with a mean duration of 6 hr. Five-minute averages of heart rate (HR) and HRV parameters were determined. Individual noise exposure was measured as A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (L-eq). Effects were estimated using additive mixed models adjusted for long-and short-term time trends and physical activity. Due to nonlinear exposure-response functions, we performed piecewise linear analyses with a cut-off point at 65 dB(A). <br> <br>RESULTS: Concurrent increases of 5dB(A) in L-eq &lt; 65dB(A) were associated with increases in HR (percent change of mean value: 1.48%; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.60%) and the ratio of low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency (HF) power (4.89%; 95% CI: 3.48, 6.32%), and with decreases in LF (-3.77%; 95% CI: -5.49, -2.02%) and HF (-8.56%; 95% CI: -10.31, -6.78%) power. Standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) was positively associated with concurrent noise &lt; 65dB(A) (5.74%; 95% CI: 5.13, 6.36) but negatively associated with noise lagged by 5-15 min (-0.53% to -0.69%). Associations with cardiac function were less pronounced for noise &gt;= 65dB(A), with some in opposite directions from associations with noise &lt; 65dB(A). Concurrent associations were modified by sex and age. <br> <br>CONCLUSIONS: Individual daytime noise exposure was associated with immediate changes in HRV, suggesting a possible mechanism linking noise to cardiovascular risk. Noise at lower levels may have health consequences beyond those resulting from "fight-or-flight" responses to high levels of noise.
Doi 10.1289/ehp.1205606
Pmid 23512292
Wosid WOS:000323707300025
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword autonomic nervous system; epidemiology; heart rate variability; noise exposure; short-term changes