The Facts
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on Wednesday, exposure to aircraft noise could increase the risk of cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, by two to four times.
The study, led by University College London researchers, analyzed 3,635 people living near four major English airports and found that residents in high-noise areas showed 7% greater left ventricular mass and 4% thicker heart walls — making their hearts less efficient at pumping blood.
The Spin
Narrative A
The evidence clearly demonstrates that living near airports poses serious health risks that require immediate attention to reduce aircraft noise. The structural changes in heart muscle and increased cardiovascular risks can't be ignored, especially given the millions of people affected by airport noise pollution.
Narrative B
This study can't definitively prove causation between high levels of aircraft noise and differences in heart structure and function simply because its findings are observational. Other factors like lifestyle choices, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing conditions may produce these health outcomes.
