Influence of circadian rhythm on common carotid artery intima-media thickness in very elderly patients with hypertension

Objective To investigate the influence of circadian rhythm on common carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT) in very elderly patients with hypertension. Methods Sixty-eight elderly patients (≥80 years old) with hypertension were divided into two groups according to their blood pressure-decreasing rate at night(10% into non-dipper group,≥10% into dipper group). The circadian rhythm, IMT of these patients were measured respectively with ambulatory blood pressure monitor and echocardiography. Results 24 h SBP, 24 h DBP, night SBP and night DBP were significantly higher in non-dipper group than those in dipper group(P0.01). IMT of the patients in non-dipper group was significantly increased compared with dipper group(P0.01). Conclusions The atherosclerotic development of the common carotid artery is more serious in very elderly hypertensive patients with non-dipper circadian rhythm than that in hypertensive patients with dipper circadian rhythm.