WASHINGTON – Many people take low-dose aspirin to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. But a new study suggests that taking that aspirin at night can help even more.

USA Today reports that researchers in the Netherlands found that taking an aspirin at night can help break up blood platelets by morning, when most heart attacks happen.

Blood platelets can form clots, leading to heart attacks and strokes, but researchers say that more study is needed to determine whether the reduced platelet activity will lead to fewer such incidents.

The American Heart Association says that aspirin therapy has different effects on different people, and people shouldn’t start taking low-dose aspirin before consulting with a doctor.

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