A leading doctor has issued a stark warning that a common morning habit, not related to diet or stress, could be the hidden trigger behind the vast majority of heart attacks. This revelation comes as coronary heart disease continues to claim a life in the UK every three minutes.
The Silent Morning Danger
Dr Sana Sadoxai, a medical professional with a significant following on TikTok where she shares health advice, has pinpointed a critical risk factor. She states that 90 per cent of heart attacks can be traced back to a specific pattern of behaviour upon waking.
"The real danger starts the moment you wake up and stay still," Dr Sadoxai explained in a recent video. She describes a typical routine where people move from bed to checking their phone, then to sitting, before rushing out the door. This pattern, she warns, keeps the body in a "low-movement, high-inflammation state."
How Inactivity Harms Your Heart
This sedentary start to the day secretly accelerates a host of serious health issues. According to Dr Sadoxai, the habit promotes insulin resistance, belly fat accumulation, high blood pressure, silent inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. All of these conditions dramatically increase the risk of early heart attacks, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese.
The doctor emphasises the profound connection between weight, metabolism, and heart health, labelling the neglect of morning movement a "silent threat." She identifies symptoms like obesity, stubborn belly fat, breathlessness, diabetes, and fatigue as early metabolic warning signs that should not be ignored.
The Lifesaving Five-Minute Fix
The solution, however, is remarkably simple and requires minimal time. Dr Sadoxai advocates for just five to seven minutes of morning movement. This could include brisk walking, stretching, or breathing exercises.
This small commitment can boost circulation, activate the metabolism, stabilise blood sugar levels, and provide significant protection for the heart. "Changing it is lifesaving," she asserts, as reported by the Mirror.
The advice resonated with social media users, with one commenter noting, "Basically getting up and rushing to work is killing us." Another shared their more relaxed routine of enjoying a cup of tea for 30 minutes before starting their day, agreeing with the doctor's sound advice.
The UK's Heart Attack Reality
This warning underscores a major public health crisis. The British Heart Foundation states that coronary heart disease is the single biggest killer globally and is responsible for around 480 deaths in the UK every day – more than 170,000 annually.
The NHS clarifies that a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Across the UK, this leads to approximately 100,000 hospital admissions every year – an average of one every five minutes.
While chest pain is the most common symptom, the NHS advises that anyone suspecting a heart attack should call 999 immediately for an ambulance.
Broader Steps for a Healthier Heart
Beyond addressing morning habits, the NHS recommends several key lifestyle changes to reduce heart attack risk:
- Quit smoking.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Adopt a low-fat, high-fibre diet including wholegrains and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
- Complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
Dr Sadoxai's message is clear: taking control of the first few minutes of your day could be a powerful step in taking control of your long-term cardiac health.
