Hyderabad doctor warns of 5 morning habits that may harm heart health

A senior cardiologist in Hyderabad has warned that some common morning habits may silently harm the heart over time. Dr Narasa Raju Kavalipati, senior consultant and director of Interventional Cardiology at CARE Hospitals in Banjara Hills, said daily routines play a major role in heart health, and the habits people follow right after waking up can either help or damage the body. Many people start their mornings in a hurry, and without realizing it, put unwanted stress on the heart. Small changes, he explained, can give long-term benefits.

Dr Kavalipati first warned against skipping breakfast, which has become very common among people who wake up late or rush to work. He said that avoiding breakfast for long hours causes a drop in blood sugar and raises stress hormones, making the heart work harder. Over time, this may lead to overeating, hormonal imbalance, and pressure on the cardiovascular system. He suggested eating even a simple meal like fruit with nuts to give the body a healthy start to the day.

Another habit he listed was checking the phone immediately after waking up. Many people grab their phones the moment they open their eyes, but the cardiologist said that morning screen time can increase stress hormones within minutes. This sudden mental load can raise blood pressure and heart rate. He advised giving the mind at least ten minutes to settle through stretching, gentle movement, or deep breathing before looking at messages and notifications.

Dr Kavalipati also spoke about the popular habit of drinking coffee or tea as soon as one wakes up. While caffeine is not harmful on its own, drinking it on an empty stomach can cause jitteriness, palpitations, and discomfort, especially in people who already have heart or blood pressure concerns. He recommended pairing coffee with some food to avoid this sudden early shock to the system.

A fourth habit he highlighted was sitting up immediately after the alarm rings. Many people get up instantly, but the cardiologist explained that the body and muscles are stiff after a night of rest. Standing or sitting up quickly makes the heart pump harder to balance blood flow. He suggested a few minutes of slow stretching or gentle movement to give the heart a smoother transition from sleep to activity.

Finally, he warned that morning fatigue should not be ignored. If someone regularly wakes up tired even after full sleep, it may be a sign of deeper health issues. The heart may be working extra hard to keep the body functioning, and professional medical check-ups become important in such cases. Dr Kavalipati said that while occasional tiredness is normal, persistent exhaustion should not be taken lightly.

The doctor explained that good heart health depends on small daily choices. Eating a proper breakfast, waiting before checking the phone, avoiding caffeine on an empty stomach, moving gently after waking up, and paying attention to unusual tiredness can reduce unnecessary strain on the heart. Starting the day with better habits builds a stronger foundation for long-term cardiovascular wellness