Here are three habits worth avoiding:
1. Skipping your prescribed medications
If your healthcare professional has instructed you to take blood pressure or cholesterol medication in the morning, skipping doses can reduce their effectiveness.
2. Eating a high-salt, high-sugar breakfast
A breakfast high in sodium (such as processed meats or fast food) or added sugars may not directly cause long-term high blood pressure or cholesterol from one meal, but regularly eating these foods can make them harder to control.
Better choices include:
- Oatmeal
- Fruit
- Plain yogurt
- Whole-grain toast
- Eggs
- Nuts (in moderation)
3. Starting the day without any movement
Even a short walk or a few minutes of light activity can support heart health over time. Regular exercise is associated with lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol levels.
Other heart-healthy habits
- Check your blood pressure at home if your healthcare professional recommends it.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
- Limit alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight if advised.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Manage stress with techniques that work for you.
A note on cholesterol
Unlike blood pressure, cholesterol levels don’t change dramatically from one morning habit. They’re influenced more by your overall diet, genetics, activity level, weight, and, when needed, medications.
If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or both, the most effective approach is usually a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and, when prescribed, medication—not avoiding one specific morning behavior.
