CIRCADIAN BLOOD-PRESSURE RHYTHM IN ELDERL Y ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH CEREBROVASCULAR-DISEASE

A flattened circadian blood pressure variation has been shown to be an independent risk factor for end-organ damage in arterial hypertension . In the present study circadian blood pressure variation was investig ated in 26 uncomplicated essential hypertensive patients and in 26 ess ential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease (24 hour blo od pressure recording; Spacelabs 90207). Diurnal blood pressure variat ion was characterized by the difference between mean blood pressure du ring daytime (8 am - 10 pm) and night-time (10 pm - 8 am). Systolic an d diastolic diurnal blood pressure variation was significantly reduced in the essential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease w hen compared to the age-matched uncomplicated essential hypertensive g roup (p < 0.01). A disturbed modulation of the central sympathetic ton e is suggested as cause of disturbed circadian blood pressure variatio n in the essential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease.