Effects of Irbesartan on Circadian Blood Pressure Rhythm in Hypertensive Patients

Objective To investigate the effects of irbesartan on circadian blood pressure rhythm in hypertensive patients.Methods A randomized,single blind and self-controlled design was used and blood pressure(BP) was measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to acess the effect of irbesartan at 66 hypertensive patients.Results Irbesartan significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic average 24-hour BP,average daytime BP and average nighttime BP(P0.01).Irbesartan didn't produce obvious effects to patients' heart rate(P0.05).The total effective rate of decreasing blood pressure is 93.9%.In hypertensives patients with higher nighttime BP(non-dipper type),irbesartan significantly decreased nighttime BP(P0.01).In hypertensives patients with normal nighttime BP(dipper type),irbesartan did not further lower BP(P0.05).Irbesartan has little side effect and did not produce obvious effects on patients' blood biochemistry examinations.Conclusions Irbesartan can effectively control 24-hour BP in patients with no effect to essential hypertension's physiological rhythm,and inhibit the elevation of morning BP,with no danger of excessive lowing of nighttime BP.