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A lot of things can trigger a heart attack

BOSTON, July 13 (UPI) -- For those with heart disease, getting out of bed, shoveling snow, making love or getting angry can trigger a heart attack, says a U.S. newsletter.

Knowing what sets off heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac arrests can help people avoid triggers or blunt their power, according to the Harvard Heart Letter.

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Before people wake up, the body trickles stress hormones into the bloodstream to help people get up, but it also slightly stresses the heart. That, along with dehydration that occurs overnight and the overnight fade in protection from heart medicines, may explain why heart attacks are most common in the morning, the newsletter says.

Sudden physical exertion such as shoveling snow, running or some other strenuous activity can be a trigger, however exertion is less likely to cause trouble in people who exercise regularly. A bout of anger can also increase the chances of heart attack fourteen-fold during the following two hours.

Other triggers include infections like pneumonia or influenza, sexual activity, overeating, severe hot or cold weather, air pollution, natural disasters such as earthquake, drug use, grief and lack of sleep.

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