"It's no news that physical activity is good for cardiovascular health. What's remarkable is that everyday exercise makes such a big difference. They're small activities, but when you do them regularly, they have a clear effect," says Peter Edholm, a researcher at Halmstad University and one of the researchers behind the study.
Almost 24,000 people from different parts of Sweden, aged 50 to 64, were included in the study, which is based on the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation's research initiative SCAPIS. The participants underwent advanced heart examinations and answered questions about their commuting habits.
The results were clear. For those who walked or cycled to work, the risk of atherosclerosis in the heart's blood vessels appeared to be significantly lower than for those who drove.
Bus and train advantageous
The study observed a gradual pattern. The clearest effect was found in those who walked or cycled daily. Those who took public transport also showed a reduced risk compared to drivers. However, the effect was weaker.
During one stage of the study, leisure-time exercise, diet, sleep, smoking, physical activity at work and educational level were also taken into account.
The difference remained even after we took those factors into account.
Peter Edholm says narrowing of the arteries accelerates with age, but that even younger people can be affected. It is therefore beneficial for all ages to exercise daily. If nothing else for preventive purposes.
Park far away
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, cannot answer whether there is a minimum distance for commuting to be beneficial. However, on average, those who cycled commuted 4 kilometers one way and those who walked commuted 1.6 kilometers.
For some, a car is necessary to get to work. What is recommended for those who cannot cycle, walk or take public transport?
"Park your car a short distance from work and walk the last two kilometers, for example. Then you might even get a cheaper parking space," says Peter Edholm.
Facts: Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is also called hardening of the arteries. It means that fat has accumulated on the inside of the blood vessels for a long time, making it more difficult for blood to pass through.
It can lead to blood clots that can cause cardiovascular disease.
You can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis by eating healthily and being physically active.
Symptoms:
Atherosclerosis does not initially cause any symptoms. You only experience problems when so much fat has accumulated in the same place that the blood vessel has become narrowed or when a blood clot has formed. Then you can have a heart attack, angina in the heart or legs, stroke or other problems.
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