LONDON, April 15 (UPI) -- British researchers said heart attacks and strokes are most likely to happen in the morning, BBC News Online reported Thursday.
The researchers, with the British Cardiac Patients Association, said they collected ambulance data showing emergency calls for the life-threatening conditions peak between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"The figures here all tell the same basic story: the hours just after waking seem to be the riskiest for suspected heart attacks and strokes," said Darren Reynolds, clinical audit manager for Surrey Ambulance Service. "We would also urge the public not to ignore any suspicious symptoms -- like chest pain or numbness -- they may perceive on waking."
One possible reason for the phenomenon is that blood pressure tends to be lowest during sleep and surges when people wake up. The researchers said most potential heart attack and stroke victims are unaware their blood pressure could be a major threat to their health.
