SHORT-TERM BLOOD-PRESSURE VARIABILITY AND BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY IN DIPPERS AND NON DIPPERS

Aim of the study: To compare heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) v ariability in hypertensive patients with or without a fall in BP durin g the night. Methods: 33 mild to moderate hypertensive patients, mean age 45+/-19 years, underwent an echocardiogram; a 24-hr ambultory BP m onitoring (ABPM), and a 24-hr ECG monitoring. In addition, a continuou s BP recording over 15 minutes was performed between 9 and 11 a.m. bot h in supine and standing positions, by using digital plethysmography ( Finapres device). Statistical analysis: non parametric tests. Results: [GRAPHICS] Conclusion: In non dippers, morning BP and HR low-frequenc y oscillations are shifted to a lower level, as compared to dippers. T his characteristic is associated with a reversed circadian pattern of sympathetic activity.