DIURNAL-VARIATIONS OF BLOOD-PRESSURE

Blood pressure (BP) exhibit diurnal Variations with low level during n ight time and high level during daytime. There is little evidence of a n endogenous mechanism of BP variations whereas a lot of clues show th e contribution of external factors such as activity, mood, postures. D ifferent pathophysiological conditions may alter the pattern of BP cir cadian variations. This is the case of severe hypertension, hypertensi on in the elderly and some secondary forms of the disease. Other patho logical conditions concerned by BP rhythm alterations are dysautonomia , complicated diabetes, Cuhsing syndrome, organ transplantations. Meth ods currently in use to handle data are reviewed.