Cardiologist Urges Avoiding 5 Morning Habits Before 9 a.m. to Cut Heart Risk
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 4
Cardiologist Urges Avoiding 5 Morning Habits Before 9 a.m. to Cut Heart Risk
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 4
Summary
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj says the first hours after waking are the riskiest for the heart and advises avoiding five habits before 9 a.m.
Morning physiology helps explain the warning: cortisol and blood pressure rise, heart-rate variability falls, and studies have found a surge in heart attacks and sudden cardiac death after waking.
The five targets are sugary flavored lattes, pastries, processed breakfast meats, energy drinks, and chaotic breakfast-skipping built around coffee, stress and medications on an empty stomach.
Bhojraj says those choices can spike glucose, insulin, heart rate and blood pressure, while stimulants may trigger arrhythmias and repeated sodium and saturated-fat intake can add cardiovascular strain.
He recommends a calmer routine centered on water before coffee, protein and fiber-rich breakfasts, and even 5 minutes of breathing, sunlight, stretching or a short walk.