’14 of 24 sudden deaths were under 45′: Why auto, cab drivers may face a hidden heart risk

A shocking statistic has emerged from a recent analysis, revealing that 14 out of the 24 sudden deaths occurring among auto and cab drivers in a Karnataka district were under the age of 45. This alarming trend has drawn attention to the hidden heart risk faced by these drivers. Health educator Prashant Desai recently brought this issue to light on social media, highlighting the occupational pressures drivers endure, such as long sitting hours, pollution, disrupted sleep, and chronic stress.

He emphasized that unlike professionals who can manage their schedules, drivers often find themselves on the road for extended periods to make ends meet. Desai called for regular health checks, mandatory breaks, and adequate sleep for these workers. Dr B C Kalmath, Director & HOD of Cardiac Sciences at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explained that prolonged driving can contribute to multiple established cardiovascular risk factors.

Prolonged sitting, especially without physical activity, negatively impacts circulation, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, driving involves continuous psychological stress due to factors like traffic congestion, deadlines, and financial uncertainty, which can lead to coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disorders.

Dr Kalmath cautioned against attributing sudden cardiac events solely to long hours of driving, as they can increase the risk for individuals already suffering from heart disease. Other factors like poor sleep, air pollution, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption further exacerbate the cardiovascular burden. Dr Kalmath stressed that drivers should be aware of symptoms like chest pressure, breathlessness, unusual sweating, dizziness, and palpitations, especially when these occur during physical activity or while driving.

He emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if such symptoms arise. If long hours of driving are unavoidable, Dr Kalmath recommended taking short breaks every one to two hours to walk, stretch, and move the legs. He also emphasized the importance of regular exercise outside of work hours, maintaining good-quality sleep, and avoiding relying on smoking, alcohol, or excessive caffeine to cope with fatigue.