Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings
06:39

Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings

Published on: June 13, 2025

The normal circadian pattern of blood pressure: implications for treatment

J Redon1

  • 1Hypertension Clinic, Internal Medicine, Hospital Clinico, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. josep.redon@uv.es

International Journal of Clinical Practice. Supplement
|December 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Morning blood pressure surges increase cardiovascular risk. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, offers sustained 24-hour blood pressure control, potentially reducing early morning cardiovascular events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Chronobiology

Background:

  • Blood pressure exhibits a circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning.
  • The early morning surge in blood pressure is linked to increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
  • Effective antihypertensive agents are needed for sustained 24-hour blood pressure control, especially during high-risk morning hours.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan for managing 24-hour blood pressure.
  • To assess telmisartan's efficacy in blunting the morning blood pressure surge.
  • To explore telmisartan's role in reducing cardiovascular risk during vulnerable early morning hours.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of telmisartan once daily.
  • Monitoring of 24-hour blood pressure profiles.
  • Analysis of circadian blood pressure patterns and event incidence.

Main Results:

  • Telmisartan, due to its long half-life and mechanism, provides smooth and sustained 24-hour blood pressure control.
  • The drug is likely to blunt the critical early morning blood pressure surge.
  • Potential reduction in cardiovascular events during the high-risk morning period.

Conclusions:

  • Telmisartan demonstrates potential for effective 24-hour blood pressure management.
  • Sustained blood pressure control with telmisartan may mitigate the risks associated with morning surges.
  • Further investigation into telmisartan's cardiovascular protective effects in vulnerable populations is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response01:15

Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response

Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock01:24

Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock

Disorders affecting blood volume, vascular tone, or vascular function can disrupt vascular homeostasis, including conditions like hypertension, hemorrhage, and shock.
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...