Vnitr Lek 2001, 47(12):863-867

[Absence of a decrease in nocturnal arterial pressure as an independent prognostic factor in hypertension].

J Veselý: Ustav patologické fyziologie LF UP, Olomouc.

Klíčová slova: Blood Pressure, drug effects, ; Cardiovascular Diseases, etiology, ; Circadian Rhythm; Humans; Hypertension, complications, ; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Sodium Chloride, Dietary, pharmacology,

Considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that the lack of the normal nocturnal fall in blood pressure (non-dipper) may represent an important prognostic factor in hypertension. This review focuses on clinical studies showing close association between a non-dipper pattern of blood pressure and cardiovascular events such as glomerular capillary hypertension, cerebrovascular events, left ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular arrhythmias. A close relationship between impairment of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure and that of natriuresis is described. The therapeutic profit from the knowledge that a given patient is a non-dipper and/or salt-sensitive is illustrated.