Can skipping breakfast raise your blood pressure and impact heart health? Here’s what you need to know

While skipping breakfast might feel like a simple way to save time or cut calories, research suggests it could have hidden effects on your health, especially your blood pressure. Studies, including a 2022 meta-analysis, show that adults who regularly skip breakfast face a higher risk of developing hypertension, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Beyond blood pressure, skipping breakfast has also been linked with poorer energy levels, disrupted metabolism, and less healthy eating patterns later in the day. This highlights why a balanced breakfast plays an important role in maintaining overall heart and cardiovascular health.A study published in the International Journal of Hypertension reviewed data from over 14,000 adults to determine if skipping breakfast is associated with elevated blood pressure. The results showed that people who regularly skipped breakfast had about a 20% higher chance of developing high blood pressure compared to those who ate breakfast. This link was observed across different groups of people in various countries, even when factors such as weight (as measured by BMI) were taken into account.High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer”, can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left unmanaged. While skipping breakfast might seem like a small habit, this research suggests it could have long-term effects on heart health. Starting the day with a balanced breakfast may help maintain stable blood pressure, support energy levels, and encourage healthier eating patterns throughout the day.1. Hormones and cortisolSkipping breakfast may disrupt cortisol rhythms, the stress hormone that naturally rises in the morning. If breakfast is missed, cortisol levels can spike later in the day, which may raise blood pressure 2. Blood sugar and insulin responseMissing breakfast can impair insulin sensitivity and lead to blood sugar spikes at later meals. Frequent sugar surges and poor sugar control can stiffen blood vessels and raise blood pressure 3. Unhealthy snacks and overeatingWhen you skip breakfast, hunger later in the day can lead to overeating or snacking on less healthy foods, often higher in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These habits can elevate blood pressure over time 4. Clustered lifestyle risksPeople who skip breakfast often also have other risk factors, such as poor diet, higher body weight, and inactive lifestyles. These combined factors raise blood pressure and overall heart disease risk 1. Energy, mood, and concentrationSkipping breakfast can leave you feeling fatigued, mentally foggy, or moody. Low blood sugar in the morning may impair focus and productivity 2. Weight and metabolismAlthough breakfast skipping might initially help with weight loss, it can backfire by altering appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), slowing metabolism, and encouraging weight gain over time 3. Inflammation and cholesterolBreakfast skippers may experience increased inflammation, higher LDL cholesterol, and lower HDL cholesterol, all risk factors for poor cardiovascular health.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Dark circles under eyes? These vitamin deficiencies could be the cause