30
Oct 2019
Blood pressure medication ‘works better at bedtime’
A new study suggests that blood pressure medication offer more protection against strokes and heart attacks when taken at bedtime rather than in the morning, as it is believed that our body’s natural 24-hour rhythm or biological clock alters our response to the medication.
Blood pressure should dip naturally during the night, as we rest and sleep. If it doesn’t and it remains consistently high, there is an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, according to experts.
Professor Ramon Hermida, lead researcher, said doctors should consider this recommendation to patients, saying “It’s totally cost-free. It might save a lot of lives.
“Current guidelines on the treatment of hypertension do not recommend any preferred treatment time. Morning ingestion has been the most common recommendation by physicians based on the misleading goal of reducing morning blood pressure levels.
“The results of this study show that patients who routinely take their anti-hypertensive medication at bedtime, as opposed to when they wake up, have better-controlled blood pressure and, most importantly, a significantly decreased risk of death or illness from heart and blood vessel problems.”
The British Heart Foundation’s Vanessa Smith, said “Although this study supports previous findings in this area, further research amongst other ethnic groups and people who work shift patterns would be needed, to truly prove if taking blood pressure medication at night is more beneficial for cardiovascular health.
“If you’re currently taking blood pressure medication, it’s important to check with your GP or pharmacist before changing the time you take it. There may be specific reasons why your doctor has prescribed medication in the morning or night.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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