The claim that cycling leads to heart attacks is confused – the long-term causes are different to the triggers

Cyclists reading the Daily Mail website yesterday were confronted by the headline: Why cycling to work is one of the biggest causes of heart attacks. The claim stemmed from a report analysing 36 separate scientific studies into what triggers heart attacks. Top of the combined list were exposure to traffic and physical exertion.

The Daily Mail's headline would be enough to put many off cycling. But is it correct to say we should avoid riding to work in order to keep our hearts healthy?

Prof Tim Nawrot, one of the authors of the report from Hasselt University in Belgium, thinks not.

"You can't conclude that from our analysis. The title was wrongly worded.

"I don't agree that cycling is not good for you. Physical activity is a very good way to prevent chronic diseases."

So, clearly, somewhere there has been confusion.Nawrot explained that the study was about the final triggers of heart attacks. Generally speaking, these people are already well down the path that leads to a heart attack. The long-term causes of heart attacks are different to the triggers and risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol, age and family history. Physical exertion and exposure to traffic can only trigger a problem that's already there.

And to highlight cycling is also inaccurate – the report listed "exposure to traffic" as a risk factor, which includes sitting in a car.

Nawrot said: "If you have two roads to work, then the road with less traffic is best to cycle on. But it should not prevent you from cycling,.

"It's the other way around – if everyone cycled the air would be cleaner.'

Nawrot even enjoys cycling himself, which pretty much says it all.Judy O'Sullivan, a senior cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, said:

"Air pollution and traffic fumes can make existing heart conditions worse. But if your heart is healthy, there's far more to be gained from cycling or from any other form of outdoor aerobic exercise than sitting at home with the windows closed."

So, enjoy the ride to work. It improves your health and reduces air pollution – which improves everyone else's health, too.