Introduction
Why heart attacks happen in the morning ? Are there specific warning signs to watch for in the morning heart attack ? Who is at the risk of having one ? And so on, questions might be the first thing which comes to your mind. Whatever your morning looks like, we all share one scary fact: that we might be preparing for a heart attack.
As per a survey published in the European Heart Journal in 2019, roughly 24% of heart attacks in India occur in the morning. In some studies, people who deal with a heart attack in the morning, particularly between 6am and noon, have higher levels in the enzymes in their hearts than those who have heart attacks at other times of the day.
”Dr. Anuj Sarda a cardiologist at Intima Heart & Critical Care says that morning heart attacks are not only common but often more severe due to heightened clotting factors and blood pressure upon waking.”
Why Heart Attacks Happen in the Morning ?
Morning heart attacks are caused by a mix of physiological factors, making the early morning hours of the day more risky for heart attacks.
Morning High Blood Pressure Rise: In cases wake up, our blood pressure level tends to increase quickly. It is referred to as the “morning blood pressure rise,” which puts more stress on the heart and arteries, enhancing the risk of a heart attack.
Higher Heart Rate: Each time you get up, the rate of your heart rises to the body for the day. This increased activity can be particularly harmful to people who have existing cardiac problems or sensitive artery plaque.
Hormonal Changes: Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases in the early morning. It affects metabolism and immune response, but it also causes blood vessels to grow, raising blood pressure and possibly leading to a heart attack.
How to Identify a Morning Heart Attack
Understanding the first signs of a heart attack, especially in the morning, is very important for immediate action.
Continuous pain in the chest, strain, or tightening may reach to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Trouble breathing at times or with minimal exercise.
Unexplained excessive sweating, usually followed by clamminess.
Signs of nausea, indigestion, or vomiting, which are both commonly overlooked for digestive issues.
A sense of drowsiness, fainting, or feeling dizzy, usually caused by tiredness.
Unexpected, strong fatigue or weakening that does not go away with resting.
Is there any difference between Morning Heart Attack Vs Heart Attack at other time periods?
Absolutely a few differences between morning heart attacks and heart attacks that take place at other times. To gain a better understanding, let’s find the following differences:
Duration and natural patterns:
Morning Heart Attacks: Usually happen between 6 a.m. and noon, in keeping with the body’s normal cycle. This timing fits in with physiological changes such as morning blood pressure rises and hormone differences.
Heart Attacks At Other Times: This can occur at any time of day or night and isn’t affected by particular times of day. They can be caused by activities other than the body’s internal clock, such as exercise or mental stress.
Severity and Outcome:
Morning Heart Attacks: According to reports, heart attacks in the morning tend to be more important, which could lead to far more damage to the heart muscles. This worsening could be related to factors like higher blood platelet count and the sensitivity of artery plaque in the morning.
Heart Attacks at Other Times: Although heart attacks that occur at other times can be serious, their results can vary based on factors such as the level of coronary arteries and the moment of medical treatment.
Risk indicators and causes:
Morning Heart Attacks:These are often associated with specific triggers, such as a morning blood pressure jump and raised platelet counts. Individuals with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors might be at a higher risk during this period.
Heart Attacks at Other Times: Physical activity, mental stress, and underlying health issues are all potential triggers. Risk factors may vary according to an individual’s lifestyle and habits
Response to Treatment:
Morning Heart Attacks:Early identification and treatment of morning heart attacks improves results. Immediate action, such as giving clot-busting medicines or conducting an emergency angioplasty, can assist restore blood flow to the heart.
Heart Attacks at Other Times: In a similar way prompt medical attention is important for reducing problems and improving chances of surviving. The success rate of treatment may be influenced by factors such as the level of coronary congestion and a patient’s overall health.
Can Healthy People Have Heart Attacks ?
Certainly! Heart attacks are not restricted to those with medical conditions or risk factors. Those who appear to be healthy might experience one.
Here’s why:
Hidden Risks: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and family history all may lead to a greater chance of heart attack.
Unnoticed Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease, might go untreated and lead to a sudden heart attack, especially if stressed.
Acute Triggers: Extreme activity, high stress levels, pollution, and extreme temperatures may all lead to heart attacks.
Young persons: Heart attacks may happen in individuals in their 30s or 40s as a result of genetics, lifestyle, or hidden medical issues.
Gender Differences: While men are more likely to suffer a heart attack, women can as well. Women can experience symptoms such as nausea, jaw pain, or shortness of breath, which could postpone treatment.
Why are heart attacks increasing ?
A wide range of factors, including modern lifestyles, environmental changes, and medical improvements, are increasing the number of heart attacks. Here’s a quick overview of why heart attacks are increasing:
Poor diet and absence of exercise are an aspect of the lifestyle.
Stress: High-stress levels raise the risk of heart failure.
Air and smoke damage the heart.
Ageing: There are more senior citizens with medical issues.
Detection: Technological advancements detects more heart attacks
Standards: New criteria help detect more situations.
How to prevent a heart attack?
To avoid a morning heart attack, you must start your day right and care for your heart. Here are a few simple ways to keep your heart healthy in the morning.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Add healthy grains, fruits and vegetables, and small amounts of protein. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and added sugar.
Manage Stress: To reduce stress, practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
Exercise regularly: Go for 30 minutes of exercise every day, which includes walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging.
Take Medication: Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions if taking any medicine that was prescribed to you.
Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol to small amounts. Rather, try some herbal tea or water.
Get Enough Sleep: Try for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Notice the warning signs: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or headaches. If you have these symptoms, seek medical care.
Quit smoking: To protect your heart, avoid consuming tobacco products
Conclusion
Understanding why heart attacks occur in the morning and implementing ways to avoid them is vital for heart health. People may lower their risk for a morning heart attack by adopting positive habits, managing stress, and being aware of warning signs.
If you need a heart checkup in Nagpur, proceed no further than Intima Heart & Critical Care Hospital. Our new and strong OCT machines offer accurate assessments and treatment for heart problems.. Your heart health is our priority, and our committed team is ready to give individualized treatment and support every step of the way. Book your heart checkup today and take the first steps toward a happier heart and an improved future.
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