Rush hour traffic may cause more than just road rage
|
|
Ever feel like rush hour traffic is killing you? According to research it just may be.
Many of us sit behind the wheel for hours each week. Now new research shows traffic may be more than just frustrating, it may be deadly.
Whether we’re speeding to work or creeping home behind slow moving cars, many of us drive stressed.
“Elevation of the heart rate and blood pressure in a person who-unbeknownst to them may be sitting on a time bomb-may have a plaque in that artery that can contribute to plaque rupture or can contribute to a coronary event,” says Michael Rothkopf, M.D., cardiologist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Irving.
A recent study found that around one-in-10 heart attacks are directly related to traffic exposure. But interestingly, researchers concluded it’s not road rage that’s most harmful to drivers’ hearts-it’s air pollution.
“Constant exposure to air pollution, not to mention people with allergies and lung disease, can probably cause inflammatory changes in the arteries of the heart,” explains Dr. Rothkopf.
While there’s no way to avoid air pollution, drivers can save their hearts the added strain caused by stress.
“It probably is better when you’re stuck in traffic to just stay calm and take your time, because in reality getting stressed out is not going to get you anyplace faster.”
Staying calm in the car may be easier said than done, but here are some tips:
- control your breathing
- take slow deep breathes to promote relaxation
- listen to calming music
- stay off your cell phone-that often times can make you even more tense.
So does this study mean those exposed to more air pollution than others have an increased risk of heart attack? Yes. For example, previous studies have shown that highway patrolmen or gas station attendants do have an increased risk.
Baylor Medical Center at Garland
http://www.BaylorHealth.com
Print Version
Tell-a-Friend comments powered by Disqus
