Beware! City's busy noises disrupt heart rhythms; may trigger cardiovascular problems

New Delhi: Living the city life has become a part of all of us – so much so, that the hustle and bustle of the city and its sounds is something we have become accustomed to. But, are the busy noises increasing our health problems?

Seems like it, since scientists have warned that our health may be taking a toll because of it.

Scientists have sounded a warning to those living in big cities saying that, the fluctuating noises from busy streets and town centres don't just disturb you, but also disturb normal heart rhythms and could trigger serious cardiac problems.

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University in the UK found that constant changes in noise – even at low levels – had an immediate and disruptive effect on normal heart rates.

The findings show that everyday surroundings could have wider implications for long-term health, researchers said.

For the study published in the journal Information Fusion, shoppers were asked to wear mobile body sensors to monitor their heart rates as they moved about Nottingham city centre for 45 minutes.

"We found that rapid changes in noise resulted in rapid disturbance to the normal rhythm of participants' hearts," said Eiman Kanjo from Nottingham Trent.

"If this pattern is repeated regularly then there is a danger it might lead to cardiovascular problems," Kanjo said.

The study is the first to use sensors to model the short-term impact that city environments can have upon the human body, the 'Telegraph' reported.

The researchers also found that air pressure had an effect on heart rate as well as body temperature.

Environmental data including noise, air pressure and light levels were compared to data from participants relating to heart rate, body temperature and movement and changes in the electrodermal activities of the skin.

None of the participants had heart problems, but the researchers say it would be useful to study whether people with heart conditions suffered a greater impact.

(With PTI inputs)