Being stuck in traffic is a real pain. Not only can it ruin what could have been the start of a great day, but it also raises blood pressure and triples heart attack risk. It’s not small talk but a valid medical query.  There are other surprising times and situations heart attack chances rise dramatically. If you or someone you know has a history of heart trouble, here’s when to be watchful.

1. First thing in the morning

Harvard researchers estimate that the risk of heart attack increases 40% in the morning,

As you awaken, your body secretes other stress hormones and adrenaline, increasing blood pressure and a demand for oxygen. Your blood is also thicker and harder to pump because you’re partially dehydrated, all taking a toll on the heart.

Protect yourself: Build some extra time into your morning schedule so you can hit the snooze button and wake up slowly. Warm up thoroughly so as not to additionally stress the heart, if you prefer to workout in the morning. If you take a beta-blocker, be sure to take it before bed so the medication is at full strength in the am.

2. On Monday mornings especially

Science shows there’s good reason to dread the first day of the work week, since twenty percent more heart attacks occur on this day. This is probably because people are stressed and depressed about returning to work.

Protect yourself: Take it easy on Sunday, but try not to sleep in. Getting up early on Monday after sleeping late Saturday and Sunday can raise blood pressure even more because your body is fatigued and its natural rhythms are off schedule. So try to maintain a regular sleep/wake schedule all week.

3. After an indulgent meal

A five-course, calorie-filled dinner can have an immediate impact on your heart health. Studies show that high-fat, and high-carb meals constrict blood vessels, which makes blood more prone to clotting.

Protect yourself: If you must splurge, keep your portion sizes reasonable and take a daily aspirin will also help prevent blood “stickiness.”

4. During unusually vigorous Exercise

An example would be having a heart attack while shoveling snow is a classic example of this.

The heart attack occurs because a person is not accustomed to that kind of effort and stress hormones skyrocket, causing blood pressure and heart rate to jump.

Protect yourself: Exercising regularly and increasing your intensity gradually helps protects your heart.

5. At the podium

From the heart’s perspective, speaking in public can be similar to unaccustomed exercise.

Extreme nervousness raises adrenaline levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, all of which can make the presentation itself a secondary worry.

Protect yourself: Take a beta-blocker before speaking, flying, or doing anything that makes you overly anxious to counter these effects.

A heart attack could hit anyone at anytime. Be sure to see your doctor regularly for checkups and to answer any questions you may have to help prevent a heart attack. Here is to a healthy heart!