Noise exposure as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases in workers

Workers in different jobs exposed to noise. Chronic exposure to noise can cause hearing loss and sleep disturbance. Excessive noise exposure may lead to increased blood pressure, reduced job performance and high rates of absenteeism. In this cross-sectional study noise exposure was measured by SEL 440 sound level meters with the method of ISO 1996. Blood pressure in case and control groups was measured in workplace, in the standard condition, and during physical examination. Data were analyzed by t-test and Pearson correlation with the significant level of 0.01. Mean level of noise was 95.21 ± 2.56 (90-107). There was difference between mean level of noise and the standard one (ACGIH 2009) (P < 0.01). 28.8% and 50.1% of workers had normal and high diastolic blood pressure, respectively and reminder (21.1 %) were in intermediate range. Mean systolic blood pressure was different in two studied groups (P < 0.01). Mean diastolic blood pressure was not different in two studied groups (P > 0.05). There was a positive and weak correlation between noise and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.28, P < 0.006). Prolonged exposure to industrial noise is associated with high blood pressure as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. This study warrants the necessity of occupational training for workers regarding the effects of noise exposure and preventing its related adverse effects and detecting and managing of blood pressure in workers and considering special care for those with history of hypertension.