Common Drug Could Reduce Risk of “Broken Heart” During Bereavement

Forty-two participants received low daily doses of a beta blocker and aspirin for six weeks, while 43 were given placebos. Heart rate and blood pressure were carefully monitored, and blood tests assessed blood clotting changes. "The main finding was that the active medication, used in a low dose once a day, successfully reduced spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as demonstrating some positive change in blood clotting tendency," said Professor Tofler. The investigators also carefully monitored the grief reaction of participants. "We were reassured that the medication had no adverse effect on the psychological responses, and indeed lessened symptoms of anxiety and depression," said Professor Tofler. https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/common-drug-could-reduce-risk-of-broken-heart-during-bereavement-330551?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=83185151&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8K5034l6W748xw9_MJdr9Gh3NMi5NIMZar84kCjpykkjeG1GiTZhPUAnml_1Nc__5smAu-lo2gO2Mmwc5m1SuGCcriOA&_hsmi=83185151