Multiple studies in recent years have found a close link between the level of noise, blood pressure and heart diseases. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2019 Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region, the more noise in the environment, the higher incidence rates of sleep deprivation, hearing loss, tinnitus, and mental stress, which indirectly contribute to an aggravated risk of cardiovascular diseases¹.

In addition, studies have also shown that those living in areas with an average noise level reaching 65 to 70 decibels have a 20% higher chance of having cardiovascular illnesses such as myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease than those residing in quiet zones². 

Why does noise increase blood pressure?

The fact that noise raises blood pressure is actually grounded in science. That is because the stronger the noise, the more it stimulates the amygdala in the brain, which causes the body to release more hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, while contracting and expanding some arteries, affecting the functioning of blood vessels. With the dysfunction of blood vessels comes the obstruction to blood flows, resulting in a string of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes³.

As noise naturally makes people annoyed, it also affects sleep quality, thereby increasing mental stress. With the mind putting more strain on the body, it leads to higher blood pressure and quicker pulse, therefore adding further burden to the heart and blood vessels⁴. 

What health hazards does high blood pressure bring?

Whatever the reason for high blood pressure, don’t ever take the potential hazards it brings lightly. If ignored for long, it could even trigger the following health issues, including:

1. Higher risk of stroke: Chronic high blood pressure puts more pressure on the blood vessel walls in the brain, once the vessels snap, bleeding could happen resulting in stroke. Patients suffering from high blood pressure face a multiple-fold increase in likelihood of stroke than those with normal blood pressure levels.

2. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: Patients suffering from high blood pressure are more likely to experience arteriosclerosis, leading to reduced elasticity of blood vessels, and increasing the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina pectoris (chest pain), left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure.

3. Damage to kidneys: Patients with high blood pressure have lower blood circulation in their kidneys, resulting in glomerular dysfunction, which in turn causes damage to the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.

4. Retina issues: Patients with high blood pressure experience pressure in the veins of the retina, causing contraction in blood vessels, hardening, circulation problems, and leading to retinopathy.

5. Heightened risk of dementia: A study tracking 4.5 million people has found that those with a blood pressure level in excess of 160mmHg have a significantly aggravated risk of having dementia⁵.

What should I do if I find myself with 'three highs'? 

Living in Hong Kong where every inch of land is worth a pot of gold, noise can sometimes be unavoidable, but there are still many ways to deal with 'three highs'. Many studies have confirmed that through adjustment of daily diets and exercise routines, we can effectively prevent and alleviate 'three highs'.

1. Adjusting diets:

• Consume less oil, salt and sugar.
• Eat more unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
• Avoid foods with high cholesterol, such as animal organs, egg yolk, fish and crab roe, etc. 
• Consume more fiber such as vegetable and fruit, control sugar and starch intake.
• Quit smoking and alcohol.

2. Exercise and keeping fit:

• Maintain a habit of exercising at least 3 times a week, for not fewer than 30 minutes each time.
• Try to keep your weight within 10% of the standard body weight.

3. Manage mental stress, and avoid staying in noisy environments for long durations:

• Maintain sufficient sleep and good sleep quality, put on earplugs if necessary and avoid exhaustion and stress.
• More contact with the environment helps relax the body and mind, and is good for blood pressure too. 

Furthermore, even if you find yourself with 'three highs', you can still add extra protection to safeguard your health. AXA's CareForAll Critical Illness Plan ('CareForAll') is here to provide insurance protections against critical illnesses that cover pre-existing conditions for people with 'three highs'. With simple underwriting procedures, as few as three questions about your health, and no medical reports or health check-ups required, you can receive the outcome of your application in one minute*, giving you the necessary support on your path to a healthy life.