CIRCADIAN BLOOD-PRESSURE RHYTHM IN ELDERLY 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 investigated in 26 uncomplicated essential hypertensive patients and in 26 essential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease (24 hour blood pressure recording; Spacelabs 90207). Diurnal blood pressure variation was characterized by the difference between mean blood pressure during daytime (8 am - 10 pm) and night-time (10 pm - 8 am). Systolic and diastolic diurnal blood pressure variation was significantly reduced in the essential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease when compared to the age-matched uncomplicated essential hypertensive group (p < 0.01). A disturbed modulation of the central sympathetic tone is suggested as cause of disturbed circadian blood pressure variation in the essential hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease.