Truckers Steer Toward Heart Health: American Heart Month Offers Roadmap for Change

Truck drivers face 50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general public. This February, learn how to fit "Life's Essential 8" activities for heart health into the cab of your truck.

Heart disease remains a significant concern for truck drivers, with studies indicating a 50% increased risk compared to the general population. The sedentary nature of the job, irregular sleep patterns, and limited access to healthy food options contribute to higher rates of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors among truck drivers.

American Heart Month, observed annually in February, provides an excellent opportunity for truck drivers to reset unhealthy habits and become more heart health aware. This year, National Wear Red Day falls on Friday, February 7, 2025, kicking off a month-long focus on cardiovascular health.

The AHA urges everyone to build its "Life's Essential 8" measures into their lives to improve their cardiovascular health:

• Eat Better: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.


• Be More Active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.


• Quit Tobacco: Seek support to quit smoking.


• Get Healthy Sleep: Prioritize adequate rest.


• Manage Weight: Set realistic weight loss or management goals.


• Control Cholesterol: Schedule a check-up to monitor cholesterol levels.


• Manage Blood Sugar: Be aware of diabetes risk and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.


• Manage Blood Pressure: Regularly monitor and control blood pressure.

For truck drivers, however, implementing these steps can be challenging. due to the nature of their work. Long hours of sedentary activity, irregular schedules, and limited access to healthy food options contribute to higher rates of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors. Studies show that truck drivers have a 50% increased risk of developing heart disease compared to the general population.

Long hours of sedentary work force drivers to remain inactive for extended periods, often leading to obesity, a major contributor to heart disease. Irregular work schedules and chronic time pressures disrupt drivers' sleep patterns, with 26% suffering from sleep apnea. This not only contributes to fatigue but also increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. The nature of the job also limits access to healthy food options, often resulting in poor dietary choices that can lead to obesity and high cholesterol levels.

Social isolation and chronic stress associated with long hours on the road take a toll on drivers' mental health, with 28% reporting loneliness and 27% experiencing depression. These psychological factors can indirectly impact heart health by increasing stress hormones and encouraging unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking.

The incidence of smoking among truck drivers is significantly higher than in the general public. More than half smoke compared to less than 20% of the general population. These high smoking rates among truck drivers are attributed to using tobacco to stay awake and combat fatigue during long drives, reduce stress and combat boredom.

What’s a Trucker to Do?
Healthy Trucking of America suggests using National Heart Month to make some heart-healthy changes, starting with smoking. Every smoker has quit smoking a thousand times; the problem is staying stopped. That’s the nicotine addiction talking. Many people find a nicotine patch helps with the craving. A few other things to work in during National Heart Month include:

Move More. Set a goal that every time you stop for fuel, you do 10 minutes of bodyweight, resistance band or stretching exercises. The goal is logging about 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise every week.

Eat Healthy. The secret to sticking to a heart-healthy diet is preparation. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit and chopped vegetables. Crockpot or Instapot healthful, home-cooked meals.

Sleep Better. Give your heart a chance to rest by stacking better ZZZZZs. Use your CPAP if you have one; get on if you need one. This is not rocket science. Use earplugs to block out noise, park in a safe area, eliminate all outside light with blackout curtains, and avoid caffeine right before bedtime.

Stress less. Have a few stress-relieving tactics in your toolbox. Meditation is relaxing, and mentally stimulating hobbies like puzzles can relieve stress. And stay in touch with the family while on the road.


“Think of your heart as the engine of your truck,” Healthy Trucking of America suggests. “It takes preventative maintenance to keep your truck’s engine going just like it takes preventative maintenance to keep your heart going.”