Associations Between Traffic Noise Exposure and Cardiometabolic Disease for Park Visitors Aged 45–64

Background: The association between traffic noise and cardiometabolic disease (CMD) has been underestimated. We aimed to study how residential noise exposure contributes to CMD risk and to determine the modifying effect of regular visits to the park on cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 970 citizens, aged 45–64 years, from Kaunas city, Lithuania. We estimated residential exposure to noise, and CMD was defined as blood pressure of ≥130/85 mmHg and a body mass index ≥30 kg/m ² . Visits to the park, socio-economic index (SEI) and other covariates were assessed using a questionnaire with a Likert scale. Logistic and segmented logistic regression models were used to estimate an exploratory noise threshold and to test the hypothetical model describing the interrelations. Stratified analysis was used to assess the combined influence of the noise threshold and regular visits to the park. Results: CMD was significantly associated with noise exposure, long-term residence distance <100 m from heavy traffic streets, SEI and regular visits to the park. A 5 dB increase in the residential road traffic noise was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.24) for CMD. CMD risk increased above an exploratory noise threshold of 55.7 dB and might be attenuated by regular park visits. Conclusion: Residential noise exposure above 55.7 dB increases CMD risk in residents aged 45–64 years. The impact of traffic noise exposure on CMD risk might be partially mitigated through regular walking in city parks.