Most people start their mornings in a rush with activities like checking emails, grabbing coffee, and diving straight into work. But this early hustle can quietly put your heart at risk. Cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj recently explained why the first few hours after waking are critical for preventing a heart attack.
Mornings Are A “High-Alert” Time
On August 22, Dr Bhojraj took to Instagram to highlight that “your mornings are a ‘high-alert’ window for your heart.” He explained that the body naturally changes after waking, making the heart more vulnerable.
Dr Bhojraj said, “When you wake up, your body triggers a surge in cortisol, platelets get stickier, and blood pressure rises. Now — what makes this worse? Going from 0 → 100 the second you wake up. A landmark study found that heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths peak — especially between 7 am and 11 am, with a smaller afternoon spike around 5 pm to 6 pm.”
These changes mean that people who immediately jump into intense activity or skip self-care are at higher risk of a heart attack in the morning.
Habits That Raise Heart Attack Risk
Dr Bhojraj warned that some common morning routines can increase danger. He said, “If you’re firing on all cylinders the moment you wake (coffee on an empty stomach, skipping hydration and medications, diving straight into work), that’s exactly when your heart needs protection the most.”
Rushing through mornings can strain the heart. Sudden rises in blood pressure, heart rate, and sticky platelets make the heart more likely to face issues like heart attacks.
Heart Attack Risk: How To Protect Your Heart
Simple changes can lower the risk. Dr Bhojraj suggests a gentle morning routine. He advised, “Hydrate first. Take your medications on time. Eat or sip a protein-forward breakfast. Give yourself 10–15 minutes of light movement before ‘hitting the gas’. If your mornings feel like a sprint, your heart feels it too.”
Small habits such as stretching, walking lightly, and having a balanced breakfast help stabilise blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress on the heart. A calm, mindful start can also improve your mental clarity and energy for the day.
Your morning routine plays a big role in heart health. By pacing your start, eating properly, staying hydrated, and moving lightly, you can protect your heart during its most vulnerable hours. Even 10–15 minutes of careful preparation can make a real difference in preventing a heart attack.
