Heart Health
Professional drivers have a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population. The combination of sedentary work, stress, poor diet, and disrupted sleep creates a perfect storm for heart problems. But most risk factors are modifiable — small changes make a big difference.
If You Think You Are Having a Heart Attack
Call 999 immediately. Chew an aspirin (300mg) if you have one and are not allergic. Sit down and stay calm. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
Time is critical. Every minute of delay reduces your chance of survival. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Risk Factors for Drivers
Sedentary Work
Sitting for 8+ hours a day increases cardiovascular risk by 147%. Drivers rarely meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Modifiable — you can change thisPoor Diet
Reliance on service station food means high salt, high fat, and high sugar intake. This raises blood pressure and cholesterol.
Modifiable — you can change thisStress & Isolation
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which increases blood pressure and inflammation. Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Modifiable — you can change thisDisrupted Sleep
Shift work and irregular sleep patterns increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome — all heart disease precursors.
Modifiable — you can change thisSmoking
Drivers smoke at higher rates than the general population. Smoking doubles the risk of heart attack and is the single biggest modifiable risk factor.
Modifiable — you can change thisObesity
The combination of sedentary work and poor diet means drivers have higher rates of obesity. Excess weight strains the heart and raises blood pressure.
Modifiable — you can change thisWarning Signs to Watch For
Chest Pain or Tightness
Call 999A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in your chest. May come and go. The most common heart attack symptom.
Pain in Arms, Jaw, Neck, or Back
Call 999Heart attack pain can radiate to your left arm, jaw, neck, or between your shoulder blades. Women may feel it more in the jaw and back.
Shortness of Breath
Call 999Feeling breathless during normal activities or at rest. May occur with or without chest pain.
Unusual Fatigue
Extreme tiredness that is not explained by your workload or sleep. Feeling exhausted doing simple tasks.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling faint, especially when standing up. May indicate blood pressure problems or heart rhythm issues.
Swollen Ankles or Feet
Persistent swelling in your lower legs can indicate your heart is not pumping efficiently (heart failure).
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
Palpitations, racing heart, or feeling like your heart is skipping beats. May be harmless but should be checked.
Cold Sweats or Nausea
Call 999Breaking into a cold sweat for no reason, especially with chest discomfort. Nausea or vomiting during a heart event.
What You Can Do
Move More
- Walk for 10 minutes at every rest stop
- Do cab exercises during breaks (see Exercise Routines)
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Take the stairs instead of the lift at service stations
Eat Better
- Reduce salt intake — avoid crisps, processed meats, and ready meals
- Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily
- Choose water over sugary drinks and energy drinks
- Prepare meals at home when possible (see Meal Planner)
Manage Stress
- Use the breathing exercises in our Stress Relief section
- Talk to someone — use the Peer Support forum or RoadMate AI
- Take regular breaks and do not skip rest periods
- Set boundaries between work and personal time
Get Checked
- Know your blood pressure (should be below 140/90)
- Get your cholesterol checked every 5 years (or yearly if high)
- Monitor your blood sugar (especially if overweight)
- Complete an NHS Health Check if you are over 40
Know Your Numbers
Ask your GP for these numbers at your next check-up. If you are over 40, you are entitled to a free NHS Health Check every 5 years.