Rush hour is risky for heart patients, say researchers.
The reason? Air pollution, which is considered a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
“More than 3 million deaths worldwide are caused by air pollution each year. Air pollution ranks ninth among the modifiable disease risk factors, ahead of low physical activity, high sodium diet, high cholesterol, and drug use,” says Dr. Robert F. Storey of the European Society of Cardiology.
Those with heart disease or those with risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should avoid such pollution by avoiding traveling during rush hour, the report says.
In addition, they should do the following:
- Travel by walking or bicycling whenever possible. Public transportation is preferable to traveling by car or motorcycle.
- Avoid walking and bicycling in streets with high traffic intensity, particularly during rush hour traffic.
- Exercise in parks, but avoid major traffic roads.
- Limit time spent outdoors during highly polluted periods.
The report focuses on Europe, but here in the U.S., researchers at M.I.T. estimate that air pollution causes 200,000 premature deaths each year, with traffic pollutants to blame for 53,000.
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