4 Common Morning Habits That Increase Stroke Risk and Should Be Avoided at Any Age

Why it’s risky: Excess salt increases blood pressure and can damage the kidneys. Chronic high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

To do instead: Prefer a glass of lukewarm water, plain or with a slice of lemon, to hydrate yourself safely.

Exercising too early: stress for the heart

Exercise is essential for staying healthy, but working out too early in the morning can have the opposite effect. Cool morning temperatures cause vasoconstriction, increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system.

Why it’s risky: These conditions can exacerbate cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Do instead: Schedule your workouts for late morning or early afternoon, when your body is wide awake and temperatures are milder.

Drinking too much water at once: an overload for the heart
Drinking a large glass of water upon waking is often recommended, but in excess it can be problematic, especially for people with heart problems.