Aug 29, 2015 04:03 PM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Taking a nap could prevent a future heart attack, according to a recent study.

Researchers found that midday naps are associated with reduced blood pressure levels and prescription of fewer antihypertensive medications, The Telegraph reported.

"Μidday sleep is a habit that nowadays is almost a privileged due to a nine to five working culture and intense daily routine. However the real question regarding this habit is: is it only a custom or is it also beneficial?" Dr. Manolis Kallistratos, a cardiologist at Asklepieion Voula General Hospital in Athens, Greece, said in a statement.

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from nearly 400 middle aged patients with arterial hypertension, Medscape reported. The following measurements were performed in all patients: midday sleep time (in minutes), office blood pressure, 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure, pulse wave velocity,2 lifestyle habits, body mass index (BMI) and a complete echocardiographic evaluation.

Researchers found that midday sleepers had 5 percent lower average 24 hour ambulatory systolic BP (6 mmHg) compared to patients who did not sleep at all midday. Their average systolic BP readings were 4 percent lower when they were awake (5 mmHg) and 6 percent lower while they slept at night (7 mmHg) than non-midday sleepers.

"Although the mean BP decrease seems low, it has to be mentioned that reductions as small as 2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 10 percent," Kallistratos said.

The duration of midday sleep was associated with the burden of arterial hypertension. Patients who slept for 60 minutes midday had 4 mmHg lower average 24 hour systolic BP readings and a 2 percent higher dipping status compared to patients who did not sleep midday.

"Our study shows that not only is midday sleep associated with lower blood pressure, but longer sleeps are even more beneficial. Midday sleepers had greater dips in blood pressure while sleeping at night which is associated with better health outcomes. We also found that hypertensive patients who slept at noon were under fewer antihypertensive medications compared to those who didn't sleep midday," Kallistratos added.

The findings were presented at ESC Congress Saturday.

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