Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to road traffic noise on
incident CVD in three large cohorts: HUNT, EPIC-Oxford and UK Biobank.
Methods: In a complete-case sample (N=361,699), 4,014 IHD and 2,109 cerebrovascular
incident cases were ascertained between baseline (1993-2010) and end of follow-up (2008-
2015) through medical record linkage. Annual mean road traffic noise exposure was modelled
at baseline address. Individual-level covariate data were harmonised and data were pooled.
Analyses used Cox proportional hazards model with adjustments for confounders, including
air pollution.
Results: For an interquartile range (IQR) (3.9 dBA) higher daytime noise, a non-significant
association with incident IHD was seen (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.015, 95% Confidence Interval
(CI): 0.989-1.042), fully adjusted. Statistically significant associations and interaction terms
were seen in obese individuals (HR: 1.099, 95%CI: 1.029-1.174), and current-smokers (HR:
1.054, 95%CI: 1.007-1.103). No associations were found for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Conclusions: Our study strengthens the evidence base for an effect of road traffic noise on
incident IHD, whilst the association with incident stroke remains unclear.