Introduction:

The circadian rhythm of blood pressure has been associated with various vascular and metabolic effects contributing to increased mortality among individuals with hypertension. Thus, elucidating relevant variables could enhance understanding and potentially decrease mortality rates in this population.

Objective:

This retrospective study aimed to determine the circadian pattern of blood pressure in hypertensive individuals using Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in Mexico City.

Material and methods:

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing PDF files of ABPM reports from a cardiology outpatient clinic. The study encompassed all individuals undergoing follow-up at a specialized clinic in Mexico City.

Results:

Among the 648 patients included in the study, the physiological dipper pattern, considered normal, was present in 72.6% of hypertensive individuals. Additionally, 19% exhibited a non-dipper pattern, 22.5% displayed an inverse dipper pattern, and 12% showed an extreme dipper pattern. No significant differences were observed between genders.

Conclusions:

The circadian rhythm of blood pressure, characterized by the physiological dipper pattern, was observed in only 72.6% of hypertensive individuals, even among those with normal average blood pressure. The inverse dipper pattern represented the second most prevalent group at 22.5%. Minor differences were noted between men and women regarding the timing of peak hypertension.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Inglés     · Inglés ( pdf )