A heart attack that occurs in the morning may be more damaging than one that happens any other time of the day, according to new research from Spanish scientists.

Researchers from the National Center for Cardiovascular Research in Madrid collected data from 811 patients who had experienced a heart attack between 2003 and 2009. Scientists analyzed the amount of heart muscle damage that occurred in relation to the time the heart attack had taken place, and discovered that cardiac events that take place between 6 a.m. and noon were the most severe.

Individuals who had heart attacks between those times had levels of the enzymes kinase and troponin-I that were 21 percent higher than any other time of the day.

The risk of suffering from a cardiac event can be considerably decreased with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. The American Heart Association says eating nutritious, low-fat foods is the best way to avoid a heart attack, while avoiding cigarettes and engaging in 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day can also keep hearts healthy.