Heart attacks, strokes and other heart related diseases are one of the most common causes of death all over the world. The World Health Organization estimates that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cost 17.9 million lives each year. Researchers have studied multiple reasons as to why the number of heart-related deaths are so high and the answers are varying. Lack of exercise, bad food choices, stressful jobs etc. However, what is surprising is that many people do not even realize how their habits are actually costing them their health. Many habits that we have come to see as normal or are actually the ones that are causing your heart health to suffer. Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj took to Instagram to warn that "your mornings are a high-alert window for your heart." He explained that the body's natural response to waking up can make it a high-risk time for heart-related events. What Happens When You Wake Up? Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj shared that mornings can be a risky time for your heart. When you first wake up, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can make your blood thicker and your blood pressure go up. This combination puts more strain on your heart, which is why a lot of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths happen between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. He says that having a calm and gentle morning routine can help protect your heart and lower these risks. Right Way to Start Your Day Dr. Bhojraj says that a healthy morning routine can make a positive difference for your whole day. Here’s what he suggests you should and shouldn't be doing: Avoid a Rushed Start Jumping out of bed and going "from zero to 100" can be a shock to your system. This means you should avoid rushing into things like drinking coffee on an empty stomach, forgetting to drink water, or immediately starting work. These actions put unnecessary stress on your heart when it’s most at risk. Hydrate First Your body loses water while you sleep. The first thing you should do is drink a glass of water. This simple step helps to rehydrate your body, support your organs, and get your blood flowing smoothly, preparing you for the day ahead. Take Your Medications on Time If you have morning medications, it’s very important to take them consistently. Taking them on time helps keep your blood pressure and other vital functions stable, which protects your heart from the extra stress of the morning hours. Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast Eating a breakfast with protein helps keep your blood sugar steady and gives you long-lasting energy. This keeps you from feeling a slump later in the day and reduces the urge to grab unhealthy snacks that can be bad for your heart over time. Add Light Movement Spend 10 to 15 minutes doing some light stretching or walking. This helps your blood flow and heart rate increase slowly and naturally. It gets your body ready for the day without the sudden shock of intense exercise, which can be hard on your cardiovascular system.