Skipping breakfast is a common habit among busy individuals, yet it can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Those who regularly skip breakfast face an elevated risk of coronary artery disease and hypertension. This prolonged habit can increase cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and high blood pressure, thereby promoting plaque formation and accelerating atherosclerosis.

Skipping breakfast also often leads to overeating later in the day and unhealthy snacking, increasing calorie intake, causing weight gain, and adding pressure to the cardiovascular system. Over time, the combination of hormonal imbalance, unstable energy supply, and metabolic stress elevates the risk of heart disease.

Late-night eating

Long working hours and irregular schedules often cause many people to eat dinner late. Late-night eating disrupts circadian rhythms, which regulate metabolism, hormone release, and energy balance. This disruption contributes to increased fat accumulation, elevated blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Late-night meals often contain high calories, fried foods, or sweets, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Frequent late-night eating puts stress on the heart, especially when combined with other unhealthy habits like physical inactivity and irregular sleep. Consuming trans fats, fried foods, and sugary drinks regularly raises cholesterol and blood pressure.

Beyond eating habits, unhealthy lifestyle factors also elevate cardiovascular disease risk.

Physical inactivity: This habit reduces heart efficiency and increases obesity risk.

Stress: Chronic stress often leads to overeating and unhealthy snacking, harming the heart.

Smoking: This damages blood vessels, raising cardiovascular disease risk.

Individuals can reduce their risk of heart attack through the simple habits listed below:

Consistent breakfast: Incorporate whole grains, protein, and fruits for sustained energy.

Avoid late-night eating: Aim to eat dinner at least two hours before bedtime, choosing light snacks, prioritizing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Regular walking, cycling, and yoga help strengthen cardiovascular health. Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can enhance heart function and mental relaxation.

By Le Nguyen (Sources: WebMD, Times of India)