Association Between Community Noise and Adiposity in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the effect of community noise on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A representative sample of 132 patients from three tertiary hospitals in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria was collected. Anthropometric measurements were linked to global noise annoyance (GNA) based on different residential noise annoyances, day–evening–night (L (den)), and nighttime (L (night)) road traffic noise exposure. Noise map L (den) and L (night) were determined at the living room and bedroom façades, respectively, and further corrected to indoor exposure based on the window-opening frequency and soundproofing insulation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results showed that BMI and WC increased (non-significantly) per 5 dB. The effect of indoor noise was stronger in comparison with that of outdoor noise. For indoor L (den), the effect was more pronounced in men, those with diabetes, family history of diabetes, high noise sensitivity, using solid fuel/gas for domestic heating/cooking, and living on the first floor. As regards indoor L (night), its effect was more pronounced in those with low socioeconomic status, hearing loss, and using solid fuel/gas for domestic heating/cooking. GNA was associated with lower BMI and WC. CONCLUSION: Road traffic noise was associated with an increase in adiposity in some potentially vulnerable patients with CVD.