Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a cardiologist, shared on Instagram on August 22 that mornings are a “high-alert window” for your heart. According to him, the body’s natural response upon waking can make this part of the day particularly risky for heart health. Also read | Cardiologist reveals 6 morning habits that keep his heart strong: Protein-rich breakfast, 5-minute meditation and more
What Happens When You Wake Up
In his post, “Most heart attacks happen after this 1 daily habit (and it is not stress),” Dr. Bhojraj explained that a surge in cortisol, increased platelet stickiness, and a rise in blood pressure contribute to a higher risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths. By adopting a gentle morning routine, he says, you can reduce these risks.
Dr. Bhojraj noted, “Your mornings are a ‘high-alert’ window for your heart. Here’s why: 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.”
How to Start Your Day Right
A well-planned morning routine can positively impact your physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Dr. Bhojraj recommends:
- Hydrate first before anything else.
- Take medications on time.
- Eat or sip a protein-forward breakfast.
- Spend 10–15 minutes on light movement before jumping into work.
He warns against immediately firing on all cylinders—like drinking coffee on an empty stomach, skipping hydration and medications, or diving straight into work—because that puts extra stress on your heart.
A balanced morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day and helps safeguard your cardiovascular health. Need guidance? Click here to learn some cardiologist-approved morning habits that can help keep your heart healthy.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
