[Clinical value of the estimation of blood pressure circadian rhythm]

Arterial blood pressure is one of the main factors of the development of organ vascular changes. Clinical studies have demonstrated that not only blood pressure absolute values but its 24h profile as well may be of significance for the rate and severity of organ damage. The study analyses the results and observations of the so far carried out investigations concerning the lack of nocturnal fall of blood pressure on the development of vascular changes in brain, carotid artery, myocardial hypertrophy and renal lesions. The results of the study indicate that in subjects with the lack of nocturnal fall of blood pressure the frequency of organ changes is more pronounced. Thus, for normal monitoring of the course and the treatment of arterial hypertension, its 24h monitoring seems to be an indispensable procedure. When evaluating blood pressure 24h profile age, sex, organ changes, physical activity and real sleep-wake period should be taken into account. In hypertensive patients without organ changes with nondippers blood pressure profile, repetition of 24h blood pressure monitoring seems to be an indication.