Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming countless lives every day. In the UK alone, coronary heart disease results in approximately 480 deaths daily, totaling over 170,000 each year, according to the British Heart Foundation. This condition is the primary cause of heart attacks, a life-threatening emergency that demands urgent attention.
Dr. Sana Sadoxai, a medical professional with a substantial following on TikTok where she shares health advice, has highlighted a surprising culprit behind 90% of heart attacks—a simple morning habit involving inactivity right after waking up.
In her widely viewed video, Dr. Sadoxai explains, “The real danger starts the moment you wake up and remain still.” Rather than immediate movement, many people transition from bed to phone, then sit for extended periods before hurriedly leaving their homes. This extended inactivity promotes low movement coupled with high inflammation inside the body.
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“This habit accelerates insulin resistance, leads to abdominal fat gain, raises blood pressure, triggers silent inflammation, and disrupts metabolic function,” Dr. Sadoxai warns. These conditions collectively elevate the risk of early heart attacks, especially for individuals who are overweight or obese.
The good news? Just five to seven minutes of morning activity, such as brisk walking, stretching, or focused breathing exercises, can jumpstart circulation, stimulate metabolism, stabilize blood sugar levels, and strengthen heart health. Dr. Sadoxai emphasizes this simple change as a “lifesaving” practice.
If you experience obesity, persistent belly fat, breathlessness, diabetes, or chronic fatigue, these may be early signs of metabolic distress and should not be ignored. Early intervention can prevent these conditions from developing into serious cardiac risks.
Viewers on TikTok have responded positively to Dr. Sadoxai’s advice. One user noted, “Basically getting up and rushing to work is killing us,” while another shared, “I wake up, have a cup of tea, relax for 30 minutes, and then prepare for work — I think this is sound advice.”
The NHS defines a heart attack (myocardial infarction) as a blockage of blood supply to the heart, usually caused by a clot. Each year, about 100,000 people in the UK are hospitalized due to heart attacks, with one admission every five minutes on average.
Classic symptoms to watch for include chest pain or discomfort described as pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing. If you or someone nearby experiences these signs, call 999 immediately for emergency help. Taking a 300mg aspirin, if not allergic, while waiting for the ambulance might improve blood flow by thinning the blood.
Treatment for a heart attack may involve clot-busting medication or surgical procedures. Preventative measures include quitting smoking, adopting a healthier diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and engaging in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise, as recommended by the NHS.
Incorporating just a few minutes of movement into your morning routine could make a profound difference to your heart health and help reduce your risk of a heart attack.