a heart-healthy ride, take it easy on your next car trip

Most of us are aware of bad highways and drivers when we are planning a holiday by car, but may not know of another road risk: heart attack.

US researchers found travellers by road were more likely to suffer a heart attack than were people who took planes, trains or other modes of travel. Why? Stress. Driving requires concentration, which raises blood pressure and the risk of cardiac incident, says the research study’s lead author, Willem Kop. Here, tips for a heart-healthy journey:

• Don’t rush. It’s a classic trait of Type A behaviour, which has been linked to increased heart-attack risk. So leave early, schedule stops and play games in the car to relieve stress.

 

• Take breaks. Too much sitting raises the risk of deadly blood clots. Stop to stretch every hour or so.

• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration taxes the heart.