Exposure to loud noises linked to risk of heart attacks

A new study found that exposure to loud noises may increase your risk of a heart attack.

"Half of the people that are going to die in America are going to die of cardiovascular disease," said Jeff Schussler of Baylor Scott & White Health. "That includes heart attacks, and it includes strokes."

Researchers studied 500 people for five years. During this time, 40 of the participants had a cardiovascular event.

Those with the highest levels of noise exposure had more than a three-time greater risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related incident.

The loud noise group also had more inflammation in their arteries.

Exposure to loud noise can also lead to permanent hearing loss and ringing in your ears.

It can cause physical and psychological stress and increase your risk for workplace accidents or injuries. So, if you want to protect your health try protecting your ears.

While loud noise is a somewhat surprising risk for heart problems, another unusual sign of heart risk may be creased earlobes.

Several studies have shown a link between creased earlobes and plaque buildup in your arteries.