Aspirin Before Bedtime Lowers Heart Attack Risk

Taking aspirin before going to bed can lower risk of major heart attacks, according to a new study.

Aspirin has been around for over 100 years now and has relieved headaches, fevers and minor aches in millions of people. Recent studies have shown that daily use of low-dose Aspirin can reduce risk of a cardiac event by 30 percent in people with a history of heart disease.

The drug protects against heart attacks by lowering chances of blood clot formation. The present study was based on data from The Aspirin in Reduction of Tension II trial. In the study, 290 participants took 100 mg of aspirin in the morning or at night during two 3-month periods. Participants' blood pressure and platelet activity was measured after each period.

Study results showed that platelet activity reduced by 22 units (aspirin reaction units) in people who used the drug at night.

"Because higher platelet activity contributes to a higher risk of acute heart events, this simple intervention -- switching aspirin intake from morning to bedtime -- could be beneficial for the millions of patients with heart disease who take aspirin on a daily basis," said Tobias Bonten, M.D., Ph.D student at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, according to a news release.

The study was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013.

Aspirin and the Heart

Heart attacks are usually caused by atherosclerosis, which occurs when there is too much of cholesterol in the body. Artery walls are sticky and so is 'bad fat'. Over time, this fat starts building up on the inside of the artery, forming plaques. Plaques are hard on the outside, but soft on the inside. Eventually, these plaques crack and attract blood platelets. These platelets can cause blood clots, which narrows down the blood vessels, leading to a heart attack.

Other Researches on Aspirin

Previous studies have shown that Aspirin can lower risk of colorectal cancer. The Harvard Gazette had recently reported that a daily dose of aspirin can extend lives of people who have been diagnosed with certain kind of colorectal cancer.

A study published in the Lancet last year had said that people who are genetically susceptible to the cancer (where the cancer runs in the family) can reduce risk of the condition by using 600 mg of aspirin per day for 25 months.

 Another study published in Gastroenterology in 2008 said that men can lower the risk of colorectal cancer by using aspirin continuously for 6 years, taking about 14 tablets per week, a really high dose that may lead to other health problems. According to U.S Preventive Services Task Force and the American Heart Association, the benefits of long-term aspirin use outweigh any other risks.

Note

Although, the drug is quite common, it shouldn't be used on a daily basis without a prescription. Learn more about Aspirin here.