How Your Morning Habits Could Increase Your Heart Attack Risk by 40%
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Research published in Circulation reveals that men who regularly skip breakfast have a 27% higher risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease compared to those who eat breakfast.
- The risk of heart attack is about 40% higher between 6 a.m. and noon, with a 29% increase in cardiac deaths and a 49% higher risk of stroke during these morning hours.
- Morning physiological changes like rising blood pressure, increased cortisol, and stickier blood platelets heighten cardiovascular strain, which can be worsened by skipping breakfast, dehydration, caffeine, and stress.
- Skipping breakfast is linked to a higher chance of developing atherosclerosis, even after accounting for other heart disease risk factors.
- To reduce morning cardiovascular risk, experts recommend drinking 12 to 16 ounces of water before coffee, eating a protein-rich breakfast, and avoiding high stress in the first 30 minutes after waking.
