Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension and Myocardial Infarction in Relation to Subjective Ratings of Traffic Noise Exposure

A cross-sectional study was performed on a 5% sample of the adult population of the city of Pancevo (3622 residents). The response rate was 79 % (2874), with 1243 interviewed males (43%) and 1631 females (57%). Noise annoyance was assessed on a five- grade verbal scale (Not at all; Slightly; Moderately; Very; Extremely). Arterial hypertension was defined by antihypertensive treatment, information on which was obtained from questionnaire. Myocardial infarction was also subjectively confirmed. Prevalence and odds ratios of arterial hypertension and myocardial infarction were computed for subjects who were very much and extremely annoyed by noise, or moderately annoyed, using residents who were slightly annoyed or not annoyed at all as a referent category. Significant odds ratios (adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking habits) were found for self-reported arterial hypertension [1,8 (1,0-2,4 - 95% confidence interval), P < 0,01] and myocardial infarction [1,7 (1,0-2,9), P < 0,05] in very much or extremely noise disturbed male subjects, compared to those who were not annoyed at all, or were slightly annoyed by noise. The respective odds ratios for females were lower and not statistically significant 1,1 (0,8-1,7) and 1 (0,4-2,0).