Heart Attacks and Strokes Occur More Often Between Five and Seven in the Morning 0 39

Circadian rhythms affect not only sleep but also the functioning of the cardiovascular system, says doctor Elena Solomatina.

"The work of thyroid hormones is closely related to a person's circadian rhythms. Evolutionarily, humans are programmed for activity during the daytime: in the morning, the body initiates awakening processes that previously replaced an alarm clock. Around five in the morning, the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated: blood pressure rises, blood glucose levels increase, and stress hormones begin to be produced."

This mechanism is necessary for mobilizing energy. In ancient times, it helped humans survive: daytime was a time for hunting, movement, and activity. The thyroid gland also starts functioning in the morning, producing hormones that provide an energetic start and help the body transition to daytime activity.

According to Solomatina, it is precisely the characteristics of circadian rhythms that are linked to the fact that many vascular catastrophes, including heart attacks and strokes, occur more frequently in the early morning hours, approximately between five and seven in the morning. The adrenal glands begin to release stress hormones, blood pressure rises, sugar levels increase, and blood becomes thicker. If a person already has vascular problems, this can become an additional risk factor.