2026-05-07 12:02:06
A leading cardiologist has warned that a 6am alarm could increase your risk of a hear attack.
Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, founder of the National Heart Clinic in London, has explained why your morning routine could be putting your heart under extra strain.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Every morning, from approximately 6am until 10am, your cardiovascular system undergoes a series of predictable physiological shifts that dramatically raise the risk of a heart attack.”
Those with hidden or unstable plaque, chronic stress, poor sleep or high blood pressure are at an even greater risk.
During those early hours, blood is “temporarily ‘stickier'”, with the PAI-1 protein “spiking and reducing your ability to break down clots by up to 80 percent”, while “your arteries also tighten and cortisol surges within just 45 minutes of waking”.
Despite these being normal reactions, they can put a combined strain on the cardiovascular system, and your alarm clock could make things even worse.
Dr. Lo Monaco explained: “The abrupt awakening from an alarm clock causes a shock to the system.
“Heart rate variability drops by 30 percent to 50 percent in at-risk individuals, leaving the cardiovascular system less resilient at precisely the moment it’s under the most stress.”
However, there are some simple changes which can help.
The doctor advised: “Wake up gradually if you can, and give yourself enough time to get ready without rushing.
“Rather than a harsh, jarring alarm tone, try a light-based alarm that eases you into waking.”
It’s important to understand our own bodies too, as well as making sure to get high-quality sleep regularly, and keeping a consistent wakeup time.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lo Monaco also issued a warning to people trying to get in an early workout.
He said: “Avoid intense workouts in that first 30-minute window after waking, and don’t go running up and down the stairs straight away. It all adds unnecessary stress to your heart at the worst possible time.”
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