We all want to have a relaxed and easy. Rushing to get ready, eating unhealthy breakfasts and running out the door, these habits are not feasible and can be difficult to maintain. Although getting up early and getting things in order before you leave may seem like a lot of work, it can be the best option not only for your mental health, but also your heart. According to cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified cardiologist, your morning routine can significantly impact your heart health. He warns that the hours after you wake up are a "high-alert window" for your heart, as this is when the body's natural processes can increase the risk of a heart attack. However, it is not just his professional opinion, studies have shown that there is a time period, i.e. 7 am – 11 am, when we are most susceptible to heart attacks and you may be surprised to know how many people suffer sudden cardiac events within these hours. Also Read: Cardiologist Shares 3 'Healthy Breakfast' Foods That Silently Raise Your Blood PressureHow Are Morning Hours Dangerous For Heart Events? According to a 2020 study published in the Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine journal, for many years, research supported the idea that sudden cardiac arrests followed a predictable pattern. Morning Peak: Several studies from the late 1980s and early 1990s found that sudden cardiac death was most common in the morning, typically between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Weekly Peak: Some studies also showed a "Monday peak," where more events occurred on Mondays than on any other day of the week. This was often linked to the stress of starting the work week. Seasonal Peak: There was also evidence of a seasonal pattern, with more events happening in the winter months. This pattern was thought to be due to natural daily changes in the body, such as fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones like cortisol. Does This Time Pattern Still Affect Heart Events? More recent studies are starting to tell a different story. Research from the past decade, including a large study called the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study, has found no clear morning or Monday peak for sudden cardiac arrests. While many studies still show a low number of events in the early morning hours (between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.), the classic morning peak has disappeared. This has been attributed to: Better Medication The widespread use of medications like beta-blockers has been shown to reduce the effects of stress hormones that were thought to cause the morning peak. Improved Treatment Advances in treating heart failure and coronary artery disease have also changed the way cardiac arrests present. Modern Lifestyle Our 24/7 lifestyle with constant access to technology and stress may have spread the risk factors for cardiac arrest more evenly throughout the day and week, eliminating the "Monday peak." Why Do Mornings Stress Out Our Heart? Dr Bhojraj explains that when you first wake up, your body goes through several changes that can be stressful for your heart. These include: Your body experiences a surge in cortisol, which is the stress hormone, in the morning to help you wake up, but it can also put a strain on your cardiovascular system.Your blood platelets, which help with clotting, become stickier. This can increase the risk of blood clots that may block arteries.Your also blood pressure increases as part of the waking process.How To Start Your Day In A Heart Healthy Way To protect your heart, Dr. Bhojraj suggests a gentle morning routine rather than a frantic one. He advises against rushing into the day with high-stress activities. Here are his recommendations for a heart-healthy morning:Drink water as soon as you wake up.Taking your medications on time is especially important for any heart-related prescriptions.Eat a protein-rich breakfast like to start your day.Take 10 to 15 minutes for some gentle exercise before you get busy. Starting your day slowly because it can help reduce the stress on your heart and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.