Stroke More Likely in Early Morning
 (HealthDayNews, 2/7/04)

Dr. Mitchell S. Elkind of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital, and team, examined data for 735 participants in the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study from July 1993 and August 1997 who had had a first stroke. Where the time was known, the records showed that 45% of the strokes had occurred between 6 a.m. and noon. Scientists speculate that stokes may be likelier in the morning because of the increase in blood pressure that is part of the body’s natural circadian rhythm at this time of day. In addition, the stress involved in transitioning from sleeping to facing the day’s challenges may tax blood vessels that have already been compromised by vascular disease.