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CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA • Volume 30, No 6, November/December 2019
372
AFRICA
the only intervention proven to alter the natural history of RHD
and save lives. Improving access to this essential medicine must
be prioritised by governments and clinicians must be supported
to use it confidently and safely.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the
public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. We acknowledge the tremen-
dous effort of Ms Janette Lombard the PASCAR office administrator for
compiling the survey and analysing the data. The PASCAR Working Group
on BPG acknowledges the contribution of survey participants.
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Commenting on the research, Professor Paul Leeson,
professor of cardiovascular medicine, at the University of
Oxford, said in a report in
The Daily Telegraph:
‘This study
has the potential to transform how we prescribe blood
pressure medication. The findings are likely to be relevant to
most people who take tablets for high blood pressure.
Dr Richard Francis, head of research, Stroke Association
added: ‘We’re pleased to see this research, which could
potentially change the way we prevent strokes in the future.
This is a robust study that shows that people who take their
blood pressure medication at night have better blood pressure
control and have reduced risk of a cardiovascular event such
as a stroke or heart attack. ‘Hopefully we can see studies
like this recreated in the UK and combined with existing
evidence, this could lead to a review of current guidelines on
treating high blood pressure.’
Vanessa Smith, from the British Heart Foundation, said in
a BBC News report: ‘Although this study supports previous
findings in this area, further research among other ethnic
groups and people who work shift patterns would be needed,
to truly prove if taking blood pressure medication at night is
more beneficial for cardiovascular health. If you’re currently
taking blood pressure medication, it’s important to check
with your GP or pharmacist before changing the time you
take it. There may be specific reasons why your doctor has
prescribed medication in the morning or night.’
Source:
Medical Brief 2019