Experts have given advice on reducing the strain on the heart and blood vessels in drivers

In the off-season, drivers' heart and vascular health risks increase. The reason for this is temperature fluctuations, which can cause contraction of the vessels that supply the heart muscle, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases, which puts additional strain on the entire body. Experts from Sber Eapteca, SberAuto service and Scandinavian Health Center told Izvestia on February 23 how to reduce the load on the cardiovascular system and maintain good health.

First, they recommended ensuring proper seating. SberAuto noted that prolonged driving in an unphysiologic posture can lead to fatigue, poor circulation and increased stress on the cardiovascular system.

It is important for the driver to maintain proper posture, and to do this, the seat should be adjusted to provide a good view of the road. The backrest should be at an angle of 95-110 degrees - a too upright position will cause back strain, and a backrest that is too leaned back will overload the neck and shoulders.

Hips should be parallel to the floor and knees slightly bent at an angle of about 120 degrees, which helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of blood stasis. The head should touch the headrest, with the top of the headrest at the level of the top of the head - this will reduce tension in the neck and prevent micro-traumas to the neck area during sudden braking.

Experts advised using an orthopedic pillow under the lumbar region. To avoid the negative consequences of a long stay behind the wheel, it is recommended to take breaks in driving every 1.5-2 hours, get out of the car and warm up.

Cardiologist of the Scandinavian Health Center Maria Dubinskaya advised to move more, as it is necessary to improve blood flow and maintain healthy blood vessels.

"To support blood circulation, breathing exercises are recommended - inhale slowly for four seconds, hold your breath for two seconds and exhale for six seconds to improve oxygen enrichment of the blood and reduce tension. In a traffic jam or while waiting at a traffic light, you can do neck and shoulder stretches - perform smooth circular movements of the head and slight side bends," the expert said.

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In addition, proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and strengthening the heart muscle. The driver's diet, according to the doctor, should definitely be based on vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and lean sources of protein such as fish, legumes and lean meat.

"Consumption of foods rich in saturated and trans fats should be limited, replacing them with unsaturated ones - such as olive oil and nuts. Salt intake should be reduced to recommended levels - about 5g per day - to control blood pressure. It is also necessary to control the amount of sugar and fast carbohydrates to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels and to maintain a normal weight," Dubinskaya added.

Provisor and head of the pharmacy "Sber Eapanteka" Dmitry Gurov advised drivers to pay attention to vitamin complexes for heart and blood vessels and useful substances.

"Complex based on hawthorn with potassium and magnesium will support heart health - hawthorn is useful for blood circulation, and potassium and magnesium nourish and strengthen the heart muscle. Omega-3 allows you to effectively prevent arrhythmias and other heart disorders, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 acts as a reliable supplier of energy for the heart and blood vessels," he said.

In addition, experts recommended minimizing stress behind the wheel, maintaining a calm driving style, responding properly to stress behind the wheel, and always having a motorist's first aid kit on hand, complete with heart and vascular medications, in case of emergencies.

"Drivers with risk factors for heart health need to regularly monitor blood pressure, so you should additionally complete the car first aid kit with a tonometer, it is also important to have in the kit nitroglycerin - in case of angina - and chewable aspirin - in case of suspected heart attack, and in case of pressure pains in the chest, shortness of breath or dizziness immediately stop driving, open the windows and call an ambulance", - summarized Dubinskaya.

Earlier, on January 24, the head of the European Gymnastics Center Ilya Sidorov told "Izvestia" that sedentary lifestyle has a devastating effect on human health. At the same time, physical exercise has a positive effect on all physiological processes.