Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry
07:12

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

Published on: January 19, 2020

9.4K

Circadian rhythms of blood pressure in hypertensive patients with cerebral microbleeds

Yang-Kun Chen1, Wen-Cong Liang1,2, Shu-Lan Yuan1,2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Dongguan People's Hospital (Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University), Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.

Brain and Behavior
|March 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Higher nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and reduced BP dipping are linked to cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in hypertensive individuals. This suggests BP circadian rhythm disruptions may play a role in CMB development.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small hemorrhages in the brain, often associated with hypertension.
  • The role of circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythms in the development of CMBs is not well understood.
  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for both CMBs and cerebrovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) parameters and the presence of CMBs in hypertensive patients.
  • To determine if specific BP circadian rhythm patterns are linked to CMBs.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective case-control study involving 51 hypertensive patients with CMBs and 51 matched controls without CMBs.
  • All participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between ABPM indices and CMB presence.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CMBs exhibited significantly higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a lower relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate compared to controls.
  • Higher nocturnal mean SBP was positively correlated with the presence of CMBs (OR=1.029, p=0.041).
  • A lower relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate was negatively correlated with CMBs (OR=0.918, p=0.007), particularly in those with deep CMBs.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated nocturnal systolic blood pressure and blunted nocturnal blood pressure dipping are associated with cerebral microbleeds in hypertensive patients.
  • These findings suggest that disruptions in BP circadian rhythms may contribute to the pathophysiology of CMBs.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications and potential interventions targeting BP circadian patterns for CMB prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
blood pressurecerebral microbleedscerebral small vessel diseasecircadian rhythms

More Related Videos

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

3.2K
Assessing Cerebral Autoregulation via Oscillatory Lower Body Negative Pressure and Projection Pursuit Regression11:26

Assessing Cerebral Autoregulation via Oscillatory Lower Body Negative Pressure and Projection Pursuit Regression

Published on: December 10, 2014

12.5K

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...
148
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
67
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...
3.2K
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
851
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
1.5K
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure

The neural regulation of blood pressure involves intricate interactions between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system, ensuring adequate perfusion of tissues. This regulation primarily occurs through baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, involving both short-term and long-term mechanisms.
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
4.3K