Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Getting stuck in traffic doesn’t just cause hair-pulling stress, cardiologists said on Tuesday (September 15) that plying clogged thoroughfares can cause congested veins in the legs.
The cardiologists gave more proof that traffic can truly be fatal. They said sitting for long hours in a vehicle may cause the narrowing of blood vessels, resulting to peripheral vascular diseases (PVD).
Dr. Jenny Beltran, president of the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine, warned that getting stuck in traffic for hours means that you can’t freely move your legs, and when that happens, it promotes stasis.
“Tinatamad gumalaw ang blood going back to our heart,” she explained.
Commuters not spared
It’s is not just those inside vehicles whose health are at risk.
Even the commuters who wait for extended periods just to get a ride are also at risk, Beltran said.
Aside from standing in the same position for a long time, commuters are also exposed to carbon monoxide which can slow down blood flow.
Related: How to keep calm while stuck in traffic
Experts said aches in feet and legs are usually mistaken for rheumatism or arthritis, but this may be a sign of PAD.
While PAD most commonly affects the elderly, younger age groups may be affected, too, especially those who have high cholesterol levels, suffer from diabetes, or are smokers and have a family history of the disease.
Serious cases may lead to amputation of the leg. To make matters worse, PAD also increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Beltran advised doing simple leg exercises whether standing up or sitting down may help prevent PAD.
Related: Following road rules amid heavy rain and bad traffic
A lifestyle change of quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and having a healthy diet also reduces your risk.
