Hemodynamic effects of short-term noise exposure--comparison of steady state and intermittent noise at several sound pressure levels.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the extent of blood pressure elevation during noise exposure, to elucidate the underlying hemodynamic mechanisms and to assess baroreceptor cardiac reflex sensitivity in connection with blood pressure elevation. Twenty-two young normotensive males participated in the experiment and underwent six noise exposure conditions of 20 min each: steady state and intermittent pink noises of 80 dB (sound pressure level (SPL)), 90 dB (SPL) and 100 dB (SPL). The results indicate that elevations in mean arterial pressure, as well as diastolic and systolic blood pressure, were significant or almost significant in the intermittent 100 dB (SPL) and 90 dB (SPL) conditions. Habituation occurred particularly with the steady state noises. In at least the intermittent 100 dB (SPL) condition, an increase in peripheral vascular resistance was the underlying hemodynamic mechanism of blood pressure elevation. Decreases in cardiac output and stroke volume were also associated with the peripheral vasoconstriction. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity was maintained near the baseline level for all of the noise exposure conditions. Therefore, reflex sensitivity may not have been suppressed even in the intermittent 100 dB (SPL) condition during which blood pressure elevations occurred.