Scientists have long known that exposure to pollution can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. A new study from the University of Edinburgh has found that living near busy roads may also lead to high blood pressure.

The Study

The study looked at data from over 130,000 adults in England, Wales and Scotland who took part in the UK Biobank study. The participants were asked about their home address and their exposure to road traffic noise and air pollution.

Their blood pressure was also measured.

Results showed that people who lived near busy roads had a 4% higher chance of having high blood pressure compared to those who lived in quieter areas. This risk increased to 22% in those who were exposed to high levels of both noise and pollution.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high.

This can cause damage to your blood vessels and lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

There are many risk factors for high blood pressure, including obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, stress and a diet high in salt and fat.

Now, researchers believe that exposure to road traffic noise and pollution may also play a role in the development of hypertension.

How Does Traffic Affect Your Health?

Exposure to traffic can cause a number of health problems, including:.

Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
Asthma and other respiratory problems
Cancer
Dementia

Traffic noise and pollution can also lead to disturbed sleep, which can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

If you live near a busy road, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the harmful effects of traffic pollution. These include:.

Closing windows and doors during rush hour
Using air conditioning if possible
Avoiding exercising near busy roads
Planting trees and shrubs to act as a barrier to pollution

If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it is important to speak to your doctor.

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Conclusion

Living near busy roads may increase your risk of high blood pressure, according to a new study. Exposure to traffic pollution and noise can have a number of negative effects on your health, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

To protect yourself, it is important to take steps such as closing windows and doors during rush hour and avoiding exercising near busy roads.