Temporal patterns of heart rate and blood pressure in elders
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2026
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
1Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Elderly individuals with heart disease showed more predictable circadian rhythms in heart rate and blood pressure compared to healthy elders. Standardized cardiac medication timing may influence these cardiovascular rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms significantly influence physiological processes, including cardiovascular function.
- Age-related changes and heart disease can alter these biological rhythms.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for optimizing health assessments in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare circadian patterns of cardiovascular parameters between elderly individuals with and without heart disease.
- To investigate the influence of health status and medication on cardiovascular rhythmicity in older adults.
- To identify potential implications for timing cardiac assessments in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Cosinor analysis was used to assess circadian rhythm parameters.
- Automated measurements of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were taken every 2 hours for 4 days.
- Activity-rest patterns, demographics, and medication profiles were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals with heart disease exhibited more pronounced rhythms in rate-pressure product compared to the control group.
- The cardiac group demonstrated more synchronized oscillations in heart rate and systolic blood pressure rhythms.
- These differences were potentially linked to standardized cardiac medication administration schedules.
Conclusions:
- Standardized medication timing may synchronize cardiovascular rhythms in elderly patients with heart disease.
- Circadian patterns of heart rate and blood pressure in elders may inform optimal timing for cardiac assessments.
- Further research into chronotherapy could enhance cardiovascular care for the elderly.
Abstract:
Circadian patterns of heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and rate-pressure product were compared in elders with heart disease (N = 22, mean age 86 years) and a comparison group (N = 18, mean age 80 years) who did not have a cardiac diagnosis. For 4 consecutive days, automated measures of heart rate, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and rate-pressure product were taken every 2 hours while subjects were awake. Activity-rest patterns were recorded by an observer, and demographic and medication profiles were obtained. Data were subjected to cosinor analysis, and the groups were compared on rhythmic parameters. Although the cardiac subjects were older, in poorer health, less active, and more prone to daytime napping, they exhibited more rhythms in rate-pressure product than did the comparison subjects. The cardiac group also had more synchronized oscillation of overt heart rate and systolic blood pressure rhythms. These results can be attributed to standardized times of cardiac medication administration. Attention to patterns of heart rate and systolic blood pressure in elders may suggest more appropriate times of day for conducting individual cardiac assessments.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
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.
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure