Metoprolol and Aspirin Effective in Grief

A randomized controlled trial in Australia suggested that a low dose metoprolol and aspirin for 6 weeks reduces physiological and psychological surrogate measures of cardiovascular risk in early bereavement. After assessment within 2 weeks of bereavement, spouses (n = 73) or parents (n = 12) of deceased (aged 66.1 ± 9.4 years, 55 females) were randomized to 6 weeks of daily metoprolol (25 mg) and aspirin (100 mg) treatment or placebo. Participants of the treatment group had lower levels of home systolic pressure, 24-hour average heart rate, anxiety, platelet response to arachidonic acid, and depression symptoms than placebo. No significant difference in bereavement intensity or adverse safety impact were observed. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/