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Your postcode could ‘raise likelihood of deadly heart attacks and stroke’, warn scientists
Find out why oats for breakfast and less salt can help protect the heart
YOUR postcode could determine your risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke, it’s been revealed.
The two condtions are diseases of the heart and circulatory system, which overall cause 480 deaths every day in the UK.
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Researchers at University College London (UCL) looked at imaging of 3,635 people's hearts.
They lived near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester airports.
The hearts of those who lived in areas with high or low aircraft noise areas were compared.
People subjected to noise from planes taking off and landing may be at greater risk of poor heart health, the study showed.
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The team said this can lead to heart attacks, life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes.
Those living near airports had stiffer and thicker heart muscles that contracted and expanded less easily and were less efficient at pumping blood around the body.
This was especially the case for those exposed to higher aircraft noise at night, which may be because it ruins sleep.
Separate studies have shown that these types of heart abnormalities could result in up to a four-fold increased risk of a heart event when compared with people without these heart abnormalities.
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And previously, scientists have discovered aircraft sounds disrupted sleep and raised blood pressure and stress hormone levels, which are factors linked to heart problems.
Earlier research led by the University of Leicester estimated that about five per cent of adults in England were exposed to aircraft noise exceeding 50 decibels during the day or night.
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The senior author of the UCL study Dr Gaby Captur, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital, London, said: “Our study is observational so we cannot say with certainty that high levels of aircraft noise caused these differences in heart structure and function.
“However, our findings add to a growing body of evidence that aircraft noise can adversely affect heart health and our health more generally.
“Concerted efforts from Government and industry are needed to reduce our exposure to aircraft noise and mitigate its impact on the health of millions of people who live close to airports or under flight paths.”
Previous studies linked exposure to high levels of aircraft noise to obesity, too, which can lead to heart problems.
Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “For most of us, a plane is seen as a ticket to some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
“But this innovative study reveals the potential invisible impact for those living close to some of our biggest travel hubs.
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“While observational studies like this can’t prove cause and effect, these findings add to previous research showing the damaging impact of noise pollution on our heart health.
“Further research will be needed to investigate the longer-term effects of aircraft noise on the health of those with the highest exposure.”
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How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, althouh affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
- More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
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