These include strenuous physical exertion, emotional stress and heavy meals. The risk of a heart attack is much greater in the first few hours after waking up. A number of factors contribute to this morning mayhem. Heart rate and blood pressure surge upon awakening. Stress hormones are released in expectation of life's daily challenges.
Blood is more prone to clotting.
This cascade of events may cause plaque inside the arteries to rupture, causing a heart attack. About one-third of these attacks are fatal. Years ago, researchers reported that nearly twice the number of heart attacks occurred on Mondays compared with other days of the week. A 1996 report in the American Heart Journal confirmed this finding and reported that the fewest heart attacks occur on Saturdays. Many believe that the stress of a hectic work environment, especially after a relaxing weekend, may be the cause.