A recent study led by the University of Vigo reveals that people with high blood pressure can significantly lower their risk of heart problems by taking their medication at bedtime instead of in the morning.
This approach not only helps control blood pressure more effectively but also reduces the chances of death or serious illness linked to heart or blood vessel problems.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It is a major cause of heart disease, strokes, and other health issues.
Managing blood pressure properly can prevent these life-threatening conditions, but until now, there hasn’t been much focus on the timing of medication as part of treatment.
The study, the largest of its kind, involved 19,084 patients with high blood pressure. These participants were divided into two groups—one group took their medication in the morning when they woke up, while the other group took theirs at bedtime.
The researchers followed these patients for more than six years, making this one of the longest studies on the subject. Each year, participants underwent tests to measure their blood pressure over a 48-hour period.
The results were striking. Patients who took their blood pressure medicine at bedtime had nearly half the risk of suffering or dying from serious heart problems compared to those who took their medicine in the morning. Specifically, the bedtime group had a:
- 66% lower risk of dying from heart or blood vessel problems
- 44% lower risk of heart attacks
- 49% lower risk of strokes
- 42% lower risk of heart failure
- 40% lower risk of needing procedures to clear blocked arteries
This dramatic difference suggests that taking medication at night allows the drugs to work more effectively during sleep, a critical time for heart health.
Previous findings from the same research project, called the Hygia Project, showed that blood pressure levels during sleep are a stronger indicator of heart disease risk than daytime readings or those taken at the doctor’s office.
Traditionally, doctors have often advised patients to take their blood pressure medicine in the morning, thinking it would better control daytime blood pressure spikes. However, this study shows that focusing on nighttime blood pressure may be far more important.
Importantly, the researchers also noted that there is no evidence to suggest that taking medication in the morning reduces the risk of heart problems.
Despite these findings, most current guidelines for treating high blood pressure don’t specify the best time to take medication. The study’s authors hope their work will encourage doctors and patients to rethink this approach.
The study was led by Ramón C. Hermida and his team and published in the European Heart Journal. It highlights how a simple change—taking pills before bed—can make a huge difference in preventing serious heart issues and saving lives.
For those managing high blood pressure, it’s worth discussing this timing with their doctor to see if it’s the right approach for them.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
