A new study out of Sweden has revealed that living around excessive road noise can increase the risk of getting hypertension. The sound of engines, breaks, screeching tires and horns can all contribute to an increased risk for higher blood pressure.

The team of researchers looked at people between the ages of 18 and 80 and found that the risk of having high blood pressure increased 25 percent for people who were subjected to daily noise above an average of 60 decibels. One if four people in Western Europe are exposed to such levels of noise. Above 64 decibels, the risk for hypertension rose by more than 90 percent.

It is believed that the stress and sleep disruption causes by traffic noise are the factors that result in increased risk of hypertension. The effect is most pronounced in those aged 40 to 59.

However, UK researchers questioned the findings and cautioned that more research is required to validate a definitive causal link between traffic noise and hypertension.