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Road Noise Drives Blood Pressure Up
Stress, sleep interruptions may be at fault: researchers
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Sep 10, 09 12:41 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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People who live close to noisy roads may face a greater threat of developing high blood pressure than residents of quieter areas, researchers in Sweden say. People experiencing average daily noise exposure above 60 decibels have a more than 25% higher risk of hypertension, a study shows. The researchers link the findings to stress and possible sleep disruption caused by noise. But other experts aren’t so sure about the results, the BBC reports.
“It seems to me that they have found an association rather than a cause. Other factors, such as smoking, diet and deprivation, are likely to be playing more of a role,” says a British public health expert.