Noise exposure at the place of residence is associated with atherothrombotic risk. Findings from ENVI-MI (Environment and Myocardial Infarction) study

Background and aim Environmental factors including noise exposure are primary cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. ENVI MI project aimed to assess the impact of environmental noise at the home address in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods From the Cote d’Or infarction observatory (RICO) database, 867 consecutive MI patients living in an urban unit of Dijon (France), included from 2004 to 2008, without prior MI and discharged alive were analysed. Atherothrombotic risk stratification was performed using the TRS-2P score. Patients were divided in to 3 risk categories: G1 (low-risk, TRS-2P = 0/1); G2 (intermediate-risk, TRS-2P = 2); and G3 (high-risk, TRS-2P ≥ 3). Environmental noise prediction models were used to assess residential exposure. The relationship between TRS-2P categories were analyzed according to noise levels using ordinal logistic regression analysis; crude and adjusted odds ratios were estimated for an increase of 5 dB(A) in LDEN. Results Most patients were male (64%), with mean age at 68 ± 15 y, and LVEF was 55 ± 13%. Rate of CV risk factors were: smoking (57.2%), obesity (29.4%), hypertension (53.8%), hypercholesterolemia (46.4%), and diabetes (20.8%). TRS-2P categories were split in low (42%), intermediate (25%), and high (32%) risk. Most (51%) men were at low risk, while most women were at high risk (47%). Mean noise exposure was 60 ± 6 (min–max: 33-82) dB(A). Noise exposure was associated with atherothrombotic risk: OR(SD): 1.149(0.0142), P  Conclusions We found a significant association between noise exposure and atherosclerotic CV disease burden. If confirmed, these results could have major consequences in terms of public health, especially on post-MI management.