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HEART ATTACK

When do heart attacks most often occur?

Heart attacks can strike at any time of day, during any type of activity. However, they often follow a pattern. Due to the daily ebb and flow of hormones that affect the arteries and the state of the heart, heart attacks are most common in the morning. Furthermore, about half of all victims can point to a "trigger," a specific event that seemed to set the attack in motion. Possible triggers include heavy exertion, sex (in rare cases), anger, cold or hot weather, fear, grief, smoking, heavy drinking, and even large meals.