Why Heart Attacks Peak 4-9 AM: Cardiologists Explain the 'Morning Surge'

• Heart attacks show a higher incidence between 4 am and 9 am, linked to the body's circadian rhythm and biological shifts.
• Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge in the early morning, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, raising cardiac workload.
• Increased platelet activity and reduced clot-dissolving mechanisms after waking heighten the risk of blood clot formation.
• Blood pressure experiences a rapid 'morning surge' after dipping during sleep, especially risky for those with hypertension or diabetes.
• Dehydration, sudden exertion, and cold weather further intensify early morning risk by thickening blood, straining the heart, and constricting vessels.

Why It Matters: Early mornings are a 'perfect storm' for heart attacks due to biological changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.