[Short term blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity in mild and moderate hypertensive patients "dipper and non dipper"].

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compare heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability in hypertensive patients with or without a fall in BP during the night.

METHODS

33 mild to moderato hypertensive patients, mean age 45 +/- 15 years, underwent an echocardiogram, a 24-hr ambultory BP monitoring (ABPM), and a 24-hr ECG monitoring. In addition, a continuous BP recording over 15 minutes was performed between 9 and 11 a.m. both in supine and standing positions, by using digital plethysmography (Finapres device).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

non parametric tests.

RESULTS

[table: see text]

CONCLUSION

In non dippers, morning BP and HR low-frequency oscillations are shifted to a lower level, as compared to dippers. This characteristic is associated with a reversed circadian pattern of sympathetic activity.