People who commute to work by walking, cycling, or using public transport have a lower rate of cardiovascular disease than those who commute by car, according to a study of 360,000 people (ages 37 to 73) in the U.K., published in the journal Heart in November 2018.
Over a seven-year period, the “more active commuters” were 11 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke and 30 percent less likely to die from one than those who commuted by car at least three days a week. Active commuters who also walked or cycled for non-work travel had even lower cardiovascular death rates.
People who have to commute by car can take heart, however: Car commuters who got around by foot or bicycle for non-work travel were found to also have a moderately reduced death rate, compared to those who traveled exclusively by car.
This article first appeared in the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.
Also seeCycling for Heart Health.