The effect of metoprolol and aspirin on cardiovascular risk in bereavement: A randomized controlled trial

Methods

Participants were spouses (n = 73) or parents (n = 12) of deceased from 5 hospitals in Sydney, Australia, 55 females, 30 males, aged 66.1 ± 9.4 years. After assessment within 2 weeks of bereavement, subjects were randomized to 6 weeks of daily treatment or placebo, and the effect evaluated using ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline values (primary analysis). Results: Participants on metoprolol and aspirin had lower levels of home systolic pressure (P =.03), 24-hour average heart rate (P <.001) and anxiety (P =.01) platelet response to arachidonic acid (P <.001) and depression symptoms (P =.046) than placebo with no difference in standard deviation of NN intervals index (SDNNi), von Willebrand Factor antigen, platelet-granulocyte aggregates or bereavement intensity.

No significant adverse safety impact was observed. Conclusions: In early bereavement, low dose metoprolol and aspirin for 6 weeks reduces physiological and psychological surrogate measures of cardiovascular risk. Although further research is needed, results suggest a potential preventive benefit of this approach during heightened cardiovascular risk associated with early bereavement.<p></p>