The high levels of environmental noise we are subjected to in large cities can increase both the severity and the consequences of an ischaemic stroke. More precisely, researchers calculate the increased risk at 30% for people living in noisier areas. In contrast, living close to green areas brings this risk down by up to 25%. This is the first time that these factors have been analysed in relation to stroke severity. The study has been published in the journal Environmental Research.

The researchers looked at the influence of noise levels, air pollution (particularly suspended particles smaller than 2.5 microns; PM2.5), and exposure to green areas on nearly 3,000 ischaemic stroke patients treated at Hospital del Mar between 2005 and 2014. To do this, they used data from the Cartographic Institute of Catalonia, as well as models to analyse atmospheric pollutant levels, the noise map of Barcelona, and satellite images to define areas with vegetation. They also took into account the socioeconomic level of the locality where the patients lived.

The study gives us initial insight into how noise levels and exposure to green spaces influences the severity of ischaemic stroke. "We have observed a gradient: the more green spaces, the less serious the stroke. And the more noise, the more serious it is. This suggests that factors other than those traditionally associated with stroke may play an independent role in the condition”, researchers explain. Exposure to green spaces can benefit human health through various mechanisms. For example, it can reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and increase levels of physical activity.