Skipping Breakfast Linked with Higher Risk of Heart Attack

Skipping breakfast can raise risks of a heart attack or fatal coronary heart disease, according to a new study.

Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. A heart attack happens when the oxygen-rich blood can't get to the heart since the arteries are blocked, which results in death of heart muscles. Heart attack is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

"Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may in turn lead to a heart attack over time," said Leah E. Cahill, Ph.D., at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Mass and lead author of the study.

Previous research has shown that skipping breakfast increases risk of weight gain as people who skip breakfast tend to overeat at lunch or dinner.

The study was based on data from 26,902 male health professionals between ages 45 and 82 who were followed for 16 years (1992 and 2008).

During the study period about 1,572 men had a cardiac event. Researchers found that men who reported that they didn't eat breakfast had a 27 percent higher risk of heart attack than other men. In the study sample, men who missed out on breakfast were young, single, less physically active and had full-time jobs.

"Don't skip breakfast," Cahill said in a news release. "Eating breakfast is associated with a decreased risk of heart attacks. Incorporating many types of healthy foods into your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meal provides adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. For example, adding nuts and chopped fruit to a bowl of whole grain cereal or steel-cut oatmeal in the morning is a great way to start the day."

The study was published in the journal Circulation.

Tips for a healthy breakfast

• Include protein, fiber and fat in the breakfast meal so that you don't end up hungry before lunch.
• Fruit is good when you are late for work, but won't make you feel fuller for longer.
• Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up.