Should Hypertensive Patients Take Their Aspirin at Night?

Data from a small, brief, randomized trial suggest yes, although significant effects on actual blood pressure levels were not found.

Results of small pilot studies suggest that taking low-dose aspirin before bedtime may reduce blood pressure more than when taken upon awakening (JW Cardiol Aug 1 2003). Now, researchers have explored the mechanisms of that potential effect.

Sixteen participants (mean age, 58; 69% men) with untreated grade 1 hypertension (mean baseline blood pressure, 147/86 mm Hg) were randomized to take 100 mg of aspirin either just before bedtime or upon awakening each day for 2 weeks. After a 4-week washout period, participants were switched to the other administration time. Participants took a placebo at whichever administration time they were not taking aspirin. None of the participants was using other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Compared with…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Should Hypertensive Patients Take Their Aspirin at Night?

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Reviewing Author