Circadian blood pressure pattern and cardiac autonomic functions: different aspects of same pathophysiology

OKUTUCU S., KARAKULAK U. N., Kabakci G.

ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY, vol.11, no.2, pp.168-173, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.5152/akd.2011.031
  • Journal Name: ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.168-173
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Arterial blood pressure fluctuates with a pattern that follows a circadian rhythm, with a peak in the early morning hours and a trough during nighttime. Nocturnal dipping of arterial blood pressure is part of this normal circadian pattern, and its absence, which is called non-dipping is associated with more severe end-organ damage and increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially in hypertensive patients. Although pathologic mechanisms are still unclear, it has been suggested that non-dippers show impairment in the autonomic system functions that include abnormal parasympathetic and sympathetic activities. Several studies have examined the role of the autonomic nervous system in the non-dipping phenomenon. In this paper, we aimed to review the studies evaluating the relationship between circadian arterial blood pressure pattern and indices of cardiac autonomic functions. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2011; 11: 168-73)