Relationship between circadian rhythms of blood pressure and arteriosclerosis

Objective To investigate the relationship between circadian rhythms of blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.Methods The patients with primary hypertension(n=218) were divided into the dipper group(n=86),non-dipper group(n=92),reverse dipper group(n=8) and ultra-dipper group(n=12) according to the dynamic monitoring curve of blood pressure.The ankle-brachial index(ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) were detected in all patients,and compared and analysed with the dipper group.Results ABI showed a decrease trend and baPWV showed a increase trend in the non-dipper group,reverse dipper group and ultra-dipper group compared with the dipper group,and the difference was statistically significant(all P0.01).Conclusion The circadian rhythms of blood pressure is correlated to arteriosclerosis in hypertensive patients.Keeping normal circadian rhythms of blood pressure will retard the development of arteriosclerosis.