Heart attacks often come suddenly and unexpectedly. However, scientifically, it is known that the most common time for heart attacks to occur is in the morning, especially between 6:00 and 12:00.
This phenomenon is not a coincidence, but is influenced by physiological changes in the body that occur naturally in the morning, as the body prepares for activity.
What Happens to Your Body in the Morning?
The human body has a circadian rhythm — a biological clock that regulates various body functions including the cardiovascular system. In the morning, several important changes occur:
- Increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps the body wake up and prepare for activity.
- Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Blood becomes thicker due to mild dehydration after sleeping overnight.
- Platelet activation and decreased fibrinolytic activity, which increases the tendency for blood clot formation (thrombus).
This condition simultaneously increases the workload of the heart, and if a person has unstable cholesterol plaque in the blood vessels of the heart, then the risk of a heart attack becomes higher.
How Does a Heart Attack Happen in the Morning?
A heart attack or acute myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and the formation of a thrombus.
Morning is a vulnerable time because:
- Blood pressure spike when getting up from a lying position
- Increased sympathetic nerve tone
- Increased tendency to blood clots
This condition can cause sudden blockage of the coronary arteries and lead to an acute heart attack.
Who is at Higher Risk?
The following people are at greater risk of having a heart attack, especially in the morning:
- People with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Active smoker
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease
- Those who frequently experience stress, lack sleep, or are inactive
- Patients with a history of previous heart disease
Preventive Steps That Can Be Taken
To maintain heart health, especially in the critical hours of the morning, here are the steps you can take:
- Balance Nutrition
Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins like fish. - Get Rid of Cigarettes
Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart attack. Nicotine damages blood vessel walls and accelerates plaque formation. - Avoid and Manage Stress
Prolonged stress increases blood pressure and stress hormones. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or light exercise. - Monitor Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugar
Have regular check-ups to identify and control the main risk factors for heart disease. - Exercise Regularly
Physical activities such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes a day can strengthen the heart and maintain ideal body weight.
When Should You See a Heart Doctor?
See a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain that radiates to the arms, jaw, or neck
- Shortness of breath that appears suddenly
- Cold sweats for no apparent reason
- Heart palpitations, especially after waking up
- Previous history of heart attack
Morning can be the most vulnerable time for the heart, especially if there are uncontrolled risk factors. However, by understanding body patterns and living a healthy lifestyle, heart attacks can be prevented early.
Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your heart check-up today at EMC Pekayon Hospital.
Our cardiologists are ready to help keep your heart healthy — because every beat counts.
Article written by dr. Nancy Virginia, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, FAsCC (Heart & Blood Vessel Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).