[Biological rhythms in man. Particular aspects in medicine]

The concepts of chronobiology and chronopharmacology have become more and more important in medical practice nowadays. Today, the circadian variation in blood pressure and heart rate as well as in the occurrence of acute cardiovascular disease is quite obvious (ischemia, infarction, stroke and sudden death). However, biological rhythms are also present in episodes of dyspnoea in nocturnal asthma, in hormonal pulses, in the organization of the immunological system and in the processes of cellular proliferation. These acknowledgments have been leading to changes in our therapeutical approaches implying the definition of correct anti-hypertensive and anti-ischemic strategy was well as in the use of xanthins, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and cytostatics.