Commuting to work by foot or bicycle significantly lowers the risk of heart failure compared to driving, according to a large Finnish study published in the American College of Cardiology journal.
The research tracked 60,000 men and women from 1972 to 2002. Participants who exercised at least three times a week had a 47 percent lower risk of heart failure. Men engaging in physically demanding work—such as standing, walking, or heavy labor—saw a 25 percent reduction, while women experienced a 33 percent drop. Active commuting by bike or on foot further decreased the risk.
Prior studies have linked regular exercise to reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes. However, this is the first to examine exercise's impact on heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, and to identify specific activity types.
Opt for the stairs
Experts emphasize incorporating movement into daily routines, both at work and during commutes. Simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can make a meaningful difference.
