M. Barenbrock et al., CIRCADIAN BLOOD-PRESSURE RHYTHM IN ELDERL Y ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH CEREBROVASCULAR-DISEASE, Nieren- und Hochdruckkrankheiten, 24(3), 1995, pp. 164-165
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.