EJPH: People who walk to work have a reduced risk of heart attack

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland have found that people who walk to work have a reduced risk of heart attack and other heart and vascular diseases. The results of the study are published in the European Journal of Public Health (EJPH).

Researchers collected information on the health and movement habits of more than six thousand volunteers. They also took blood samples to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). This is the most informative indicator of tissue damage in inflammation, necrosis and various injuries. In the blood of a healthy person, this protein is absent or is detected in minimal amounts.

It turned out that the subjects who spent about 15 minutes a day walking had a 7% lower level of CRP compared to those who got to work by car or public transportation. Those who walked 45 minutes daily (just over 20 minutes toward work and the same amount toward home) had nearly 18% lower CRP concentrations.

Scientists noted that a decrease in this indicator is closely related to cardiovascular health - daily walking to work can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension and other diseases.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter