5 min learnNew DelhiAug 18, 2026 07:00 PM IST
Well being educator Prashant Desai just lately highlighted a worrying sample in a social media submit, claiming that “six of the final 20 sudden cardiac deaths in a single Karnataka district have been auto or cab drivers.” He additionally famous that 14 of the 24 deaths examined have been amongst individuals below 45. “Which implies that is occurring to individuals barely midway by their working lives,” he wrote on Instagram.
Desai pointed to the occupational pressures drivers face, together with lengthy sitting hours, air pollution, disrupted sleep and power stress, arguing that in contrast to professionals who can management their schedules, drivers usually depend upon spending longer hours on the highway to earn a dwelling.
He wrote that “a driver can not make that alternative” relating to getting sufficient relaxation, and referred to as for measures equivalent to common well being checks, obligatory breaks and sufficient sleep for people who spend long hours driving.
However how a lot do these occupational components really have an effect on cardiovascular well being? In accordance with Dr B C Kalmath, Director & HOD, Division of Cardiac Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, extended driving can contribute to a number of established cardiovascular danger components.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
How does extended sitting have an effect on the guts?
Spending 10–12 hours sitting behind the wheel can imply little or no bodily exercise through the workday. Over time, this sedentary sample can have an effect on a number of markers of cardiovascular well being.
“Spending lengthy hours sitting, notably when there may be additionally little bodily exercise, has a unfavorable impact on circulation, blood strain, blood sugar and levels of cholesterol,” Dr Kalmath says.
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Driving can even contain steady psychological stress. Visitors congestion, deadlines, passenger expectations and monetary uncertainty can hold drivers in a state of extended alertness.
In accordance with Dr Kalmath, these components can contribute to coronary artery illness and different cardiovascular problems. Nevertheless, he cautions towards instantly attributing a sudden cardiac occasion to lengthy hours of driving alone.
“Though they don’t by themselves trigger a sudden cardiac occasion, they will enhance the general danger in an individual who already has present coronary heart illness,” he explains.
Poor sleep and air pollution can add to the cardiovascular burden
“Lack of sleep or sleeping in an irregular method can result in greater blood strain and elevated ranges of stress hormones and might impact the physique’s metabolic well being,” Dr Kalmath says.
Air air pollution is one other concern, notably for drivers who spend most of their working day in site visitors. Lengthy-term publicity can promote irritation and injury blood vessels.
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Smoking additional will increase cardiovascular danger, whereas extreme alcohol consumption can contribute to hypertension and irregular coronary heart rhythms.
“If all of those are mixed with a sedentary sort of labor and lengthy hours, the pressure on the cardiovascular system can turn out to be appreciable,” he provides.
Being below 45 doesn’t imply you might be risk-free
“One shouldn’t be led right into a false sense of safety on account of age,” says Dr Kalmath.
Drivers ought to take note of signs equivalent to:
* Chest strain or discomfort
* Breathlessness
* Uncommon sweating
* Dizziness or fainting
* Palpitations
* Unexplained fatigue
* Ache radiating to the arm, shoulder, again or jaw
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These signs are notably regarding after they happen throughout bodily exercise or whereas driving.
“Any new, extreme or persevering with signs require an instantaneous medical evaluation,” Dr Kalmath stresses.
If chest discomfort happens together with breathlessness, sweating or fainting, an individual shouldn’t try to drive themselves to a hospital.
What can drivers do if lengthy hours are unavoidable?
Dr Kalmath recommends taking a brief break each one to 2 hours to stroll, stretch and transfer the legs.
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“The very first thing to do is to not sit for lengthy durations,” he says.
Common train exterior working hours can be necessary. Drivers can mix brisk strolling or different cardio actions with power coaching, relying on their health stage and medical standing.
Sleep must also be handled as a well being precedence somewhat than one thing to sacrifice for extra working hours. Dr Kalmath advises sustaining regular, good-quality sleep and avoiding reliance on smoking, alcohol or extreme caffeine to cope with fatigue.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
