At what time are you taking your blood pressure medications? Is it morning or night? A recent study has some interesting take on that. Read on to know more.
Quick Summary
- Recent research has shown that taking blood pressure medicines at night is more beneficial than doing so in the morning.
- Your BP increases a few hours before waking up in the morning and rises till mid-day.
- Taking BP medication at the right time may reduce your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high BP, your doctor may likely prescribe medication to help manage the condition. While there are a variety of different medications available, they all work to lower BP by relaxing the arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow more easily.
Most blood pressure medications are taken once or twice a day. It’s important to take blood pressure medications at the same time each day, and night is often the best time. This is because your BP is at its highest when you wake up. So, it makes sense to take the medication before the fluctuation arises.
Taking BP meds at night can help keep your blood pressure consistent throughout the day. Besides, it’s easier to remember to take them at night before going to bed, and you’re less likely to miss a dose. Keep reading to find more on lowering your blood pressure.
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Why Is Taking Your Medications At The Right Time Important?
If you have high blood pressure, you know that you need to take your medication regularly to keep your numbers in check. But did you know that taking your blood pressure medication at the right time is just as important?
Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so timing your medication correctly can help ensure that your numbers stay within a healthy range. Taking your medication at night can help keep your blood pressure low during the times when it naturally spikes, like mid-afternoon.
Taking your BP medications regularly reduces your risk for complications like heart attack and stroke. A fluctuation in BP may signal a heart attack. The time of day you consume your blood pressure medication may also influence your risk for complications.
For example, if you take your medication in the morning, you may be at a higher risk for complications like heart attack and stroke than if you take it at night. This is because your blood pressure is usually highest in the morning and lowest at pm.
If you’re unsure when the best time to consume your blood pressure medication is, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you create a schedule that will work best for you. You may also monitor your BP at home with a blood pressure chart.
What Is The Right Time To Take Blood Pressure Medication – Morning Or Night?
Some studies of late have shown that the best time to take blood pressure tablets is at night.
In the said study, more than 19,000 study subjects with high blood pressure were observed over six years. The researchers found that those who took their medication at night were 50% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke compared to those who didn’t.
Also, this was found in a study published by the European Heart Journal that if you just change your dosing schedule, you could decrease the risk of heart problems. So to reap the cardiovascular benefits, you may switch your medication schedule from morning to night.
Taking your meds at night does not interfere with readings in the morning. Moreover, they are able to control BP throughout the day. Ultimately, it’s all about being consistent in consuming the prescribed medication.
Does Your Blood Pressure Change Throughout The Day?
Yes, your blood pressure fluctuates all through the day. Generally, it is higher in the morning, drops down by the afternoon and is lowest towards the end of the day.
When you take blood pressure medication in the morning, your BP level is already at its peak. The impact of the medicine will happen after a few hours if you consume it in the morning.
On the contrary, if you take it at night, the morning rise in BP can be kept in check. Perhaps that’s why it makes sense to take blood pressure medications at night.
How Do Blood Pressure Medications Work?
If you have high BP, your heart is working way harder to pump blood through your vessels. This may lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
The good thing is that high blood pressure can be treated with medication. There are different types of blood pressure medications.
Blood pressure medications, also called antihypertensives, are used to treat high blood pressure. Some blood pressure medications work by decreasing the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. They reduce salt absorption by releasing fluid from the body.
This helps to lower your blood pressure and may make it easier for your heart to pump blood. Other blood pressure medications work by blocking the hormones that cause the blood vessels to constrict, which also lowers blood pressure.
Along with medication, you may also try the best blood pressure-reducing supplements to manage your health.
Wrapping Up
For people who suffer from high blood pressure, a doctor will prescribe medication to help lower their BP. The right medication will reduce your risk of developing severe conditions such as heart disease or stroke.
While there is no one-size-fits-all when to take blood pressure medication, some general guidelines can help you determine the best time for you. If you take medication once a day, the best time to take your medication is at night, before sleeping.
This will help ensure that your BP is controlled throughout the next day. For those who have issues remembering to take their medication, set the alarm or ask a family member to remind you.