Low Dose Aspirin at Bedtime

Low-dose aspirin has also been shown to reduce blood pressure when administered at bedtime as opposed to awakening in untreated pre-hypertensive individuals. A recent study investigated the effects on ambulatory blood pressure of aspirin administered at different times of the day in pre-hypertension: individuals with an elevated risk of developing hypertension.

244 individuals with pre-hypertension, average age 43.0 (plus or minus 13.0 years of age), were randomly divided in three groups: nonpharmacological hygienic dietary recommendations; the same recommendations and aspirin (100 mg/day) on awakening; or the same recommendations and aspirin at bedtime. Blood pressure was measured for 48 consecutive hours before and after 3 months of intervention.

Ambulatory blood pressure was unchanged in subjects randomized to either non-pharmacological intervention or aspirin on awakening.

However, a significant ambulatory blood pressure reduction was observed in the subjects who received aspirin at bedtime: a decrease of 6/3 mm Hg in the twenty four hour mean of systolic/diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure was homogenously controlled along the twenty four hour after bedtime aspirin administration. A 6/4 mm Hg reduction in activity mean of systolic/diastolic blood pressure; 6/3 mm Hg reduction in sleep-time mean, respectively.

This study demonstrates a significant effect on blood pressure with low dose aspirin when taken at bedtime by pre-hypertensive individuals. The timed administration of low-dose aspirin provides a cost-effective approach for blood pressure control in individuals at elevated risk of developing hypertension.

Source:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control With Bedtime Aspirin Administration
in Subjects With Prehypertension
Ramón C. Hermida, Diana E. Ayala, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
American Journal of Hypertension 2009