As you hit the corner on age 50, looking after your heart becomes a top priority. The average age for a first heart attack is around 65 for men and 72 for women, according to the American Heart Association. But heart attacks don’t just come out of nowhere, like in the movies. Conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol could develop earlier and increase your risk of a heart attack.
Genetics do play a role in heart health, but so do our habits. Cardiologists emphasize the importance of mornings for heart health.
“Morning habits matter because your body experiences a natural surge in blood pressure and stress hormones after waking up, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events over time,” explains Dr. Karishma Patwa, a cardiologist in NYC.
On the flip side, you can build a healthier heart through positive morning habits.
“A calm, structured start promotes physiologic stability, while a reactive, stress-driven start tends to persist throughout the day,” says Dr. Gregory Mishkel, a cardiologist.
Cardiologists warn that one morning habit for people over 50 isn’t doing their heart any favors.
Stop scrolling through social media and emails on your phone immediately after waking up. Checking high-stress things on your phone early in the morning can impact your heart health.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen advises filling up on water first thing in the morning to reduce the risk of starting your day dehydrated. Eating a well-balanced, fiber-rich breakfast can also set the stage for a nutritious day.
To support your heart health, cardiologists recommend engaging in controlled breathing or quiet time, staying hydrated, and doing some light movement in the morning. These habits can help lower heart rate, regulate blood pressure, and reduce stress hormone levels.
In conclusion, small changes in your morning routine can have a meaningful impact on your long-term heart health.
Sources: American Heart Association, Dr. Karishma Patwa, Dr. Gregory Mishkel, Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.